Creative Kits for Homeless Kids

It’s officially the off-season for plein air painting and I have been bouncing between some minor creative projects. I’m going to share the one I’ve spent the most time on lately.

Columbus has several shelters for people who are homeless and one of them takes in families with children. I can’t even imagine how scary and confusing it must be for those kids. They don’t understand the adult situations that left them without a place to call home.

In a conversation with their volunteer coordinator I found out that the children’s group activities were curtailed by the virus and they needed little projects that the kids could take back to their family’s room and do individually. I told her I’d see what I could come up with.

So I was off to the dollar store that afternoon. I selected some basic supplies that could be packaged in zip-lock bags and easily turned into a fun activity. I found packs with a dozen die-cut felt Christmas trees and others with die-cut foam angels. My blank canvases! Then I loaded up on bling. Shiny pipe cleaners, sequins, etc. Dollar Tree happened to have more craft supplies than usual and the deals were much better than the craft stores.

My mom contributed more bling from her stash of craft supplies and I had some flat wooden ornament shapes left from an earlier project. Each kit needed a sample picture and instructions. Once I had those ready I set up an assembly line on my table and bagged the kits.

The directions provide a literacy element but there’s room for creativity. The main goal is provide a little enjoyment and distraction for kids who are in a very tough spot.

I also did some kits with cans of clay and some with USA puzzles. I’m planning some winter crafts for January and some that can be used at any time of the year. I hope they bring a little cheer to some kiddos who need it right now.

This is the perfect volunteer job for me. It combines my teaching skills and artsy/craftsy bent with a bit of technology. It doesn’t seem like work. With other creative activities limited due to COVID, this will fill a gap for me and provide a bright spot in a child’s stay at the shelter.