Evan's Loot Bags For The Homeless
Evan's Loot Bags For The Homeless
Evan's Loot Bags For The Homeless
Evan's Loot Bags for The Homeless Project is Born
This is the story of how Evan’s Loot Bags For The Homeless Project began. I remember the night it all started. It was just after 10 pm on a Friday night in early December 2012, when Evan asked me a question. “Mom, do homeless people get loot bags?” My first thought was of confusion. After all, he was only 6 years old and thinking about the homeless. What was he asking me exactly and why is he asking? Was this just another tactic, another conversation to delay his bed time? I wasn’t sure how to answer him so I said no they don’t, not really. He was very sad thinking that homeless people were not invited to birthday parties and didn’t receive loot bags.
I turned off the lights and tucked him in. As I got him ready for bed, he asked me to turn the lights back on for a minute. So I did. Evan then says “mom, we are going to get up early tomorrow, go to Walmart and buy stuff for the homeless people. So that they can be happy.” Honestly, I kind of brushed him off, said sure we can do that and went to bed.
Evan's Loot Bags for The Homeless Project is Born
This is the story of how Evan’s Loot Bags For The Homeless Project began. I remember the night it all started. It was just after 10 pm on a Friday night in early December 2012, when Evan asked me a question. “Mom, do homeless people get loot bags?” My first thought was of confusion. After all, he was only 6 years old and thinking about the homeless. What was he asking me exactly and why is he asking? Was this just another tactic, another conversation to delay his bed time? I wasn’t sure how to answer him so I said no they don’t, not really. He was very sad thinking that homeless people were not invited to birthday parties and didn’t receive loot bags.
I turned off the lights and tucked him in. As I got him ready for bed, he asked me to turn the lights back on for a minute. So I did. Evan then says “mom, we are going to get up early tomorrow, go to Walmart and buy stuff for the homeless people. So that they can be happy.” Honestly, I kind of brushed him off, said sure we can do that and went to bed.
Evan's Loot Bags for The Homeless Project is Born
This is the story of how Evan’s Loot Bags For The Homeless Project began. I remember the night it all started. It was just after 10 pm on a Friday night in early December 2012, when Evan asked me a question. “Mom, do homeless people get loot bags?” My first thought was of confusion. After all, he was only 6 years old and thinking about the homeless. What was he asking me exactly and why is he asking? Was this just another tactic, another conversation to delay his bed time? I wasn’t sure how to answer him so I said no they don’t, not really. He was very sad thinking that homeless people were not invited to birthday parties and didn’t receive loot bags.
I turned off the lights and tucked him in. As I got him ready for bed, he asked me to turn the lights back on for a minute. So I did. Evan then says “mom, we are going to get up early tomorrow, go to Walmart and buy stuff for the homeless people. So that they can be happy.” Honestly, I kind of brushed him off, said sure we can do that and went to bed.
Carrying out Evan's Plan
The next morning he woke up at about 6 am, got himself dressed and came to wake me up. He had not forgotten. “I am ready, let’s go to Walmart”. It took me a while to compute what he was taking about. I had barely opened my eyes, reluctantly got up, walked over to the window. The weather was horrendous! There was a blizzard outside and it did not look inviting. Then I remembered what he had said the night before. He wants to give Loot Bags to the Homeless!
I went to my husband, who was still asleep, and let him know we were going to Walmart to buy stuff for the homeless. My husband asked why, and I replied because Evan wants to. My husband Mark then asked me what I was going to do when I got there. I told him I have no idea and shrugged.
Carrying out Evan's Plan
The next morning he woke up at about 6 am, got himself dressed and came to wake me up. He had not forgotten. “I am ready, let’s go to Walmart”. It took me a while to compute what he was taking about. I had barely opened my eyes, reluctantly got up, walked over to the window. The weather was horrendous! There was a blizzard outside and it did not look inviting. Then I remembered what he had said the night before. He wants to give Loot Bags to the Homeless!
I went to my husband, who was still asleep, and let him know we were going to Walmart to buy stuff for the homeless. My husband asked why, and I replied because Evan wants to. My husband Mark then asked me what I was going to do when I got there. I told him I have no idea and shrugged.
Carrying out Evan's Plan
The next morning he woke up at about 6 am, got himself dressed and came to wake me up. He had not forgotten. “I am ready, let’s go to Walmart”. It took me a while to compute what he was taking about. I had barely opened my eyes, reluctantly got up, walked over to the window. The weather was horrendous! There was a blizzard outside and it did not look inviting. Then I remembered what he had said the night before. He wants to give Loot Bags to the Homeless!
I went to my husband, who was still asleep, and let him know we were going to Walmart to buy stuff for the homeless. My husband asked why, and I replied because Evan wants to. My husband Mark then asked me what I was going to do when I got there. I told him I have no idea and shrugged.
The Shopping Trip
So we were off to Walmart. As soon as we got in the car, my son said that we should make a list of what to buy. I was all for helping people, but this was not a well thought out plan. All I could think of, was how do I explain to him that I haven’t been paid yet, and his father was about to be unemployed for 3 months. So while wanting to help him figure this out, I also knew that I could not spend hundreds of dollars. After all, I really had no idea what my son had in mind. It was kind of terrifying and amusing at the same time. I didn’t want to burst his bubble because I did think this was a “cute” idea. However, I was not going to let him down, we would make this work. Little did I know that today was the beginning of what would be Evan’s Loot Bags for the Homeless Project.
The Shopping Trip
So we were off to Walmart. As soon as we got in the car, my son said that we should make a list of what to buy. I was all for helping people, but this was not a well thought out plan. All I could think of, was how do I explain to him that I haven’t been paid yet, and his father was about to be unemployed for 3 months. So while wanting to help him figure this out, I also knew that I could not spend hundreds of dollars. After all, I really had no idea what my son had in mind. It was kind of terrifying and amusing at the same time. I didn’t want to burst his bubble because I did think this was a “cute” idea. However, I was not going to let him down, we would make this work. Little did I know that today was the beginning of what would be Evan’s Loot Bags for the Homeless Project.
The Shopping Trip
So we were off to Walmart. As soon as we got in the car, my son said that we should make a list of what to buy. I was all for helping people, but this was not a well thought out plan. All I could think of, was how do I explain to him that I haven’t been paid yet, and his father was about to be unemployed for 3 months. So while wanting to help him figure this out, I also knew that I could not spend hundreds of dollars. After all, I really had no idea what my son had in mind. It was kind of terrifying and amusing at the same time. I didn’t want to burst his bubble because I did think this was a “cute” idea. However, I was not going to let him down, we would make this work. Little did I know that today was the beginning of what would be Evan’s Loot Bags for the Homeless Project.
One Step at a Time
So here we are, parked at Walmart, with no idea what we were really doing here. We entered the store and start the conversation. He gets a shopping cart and asks me to get my own. We’re off without a game plan and sadly, without my morning coffee. We decided that what would probably make them the happiest, was to have food. Evan had come to the conclusion that they probably didn’t play with toys.
I decided on what we could afford and we headed off to the deli counter. We decided that we were going to make 25 lunches. Although, we didn’t quite know what we were going to do with them, that would be our plan for now. When we got to the counter we ordered ham and turkey. My very shy and introverted son proceeded to start a conversation with the person behind the counter. In a loud voice he said were going to make the homeless people happy! Then asked the lady if it was free because we were helping someone and that it wasn’t for us! Turning to me in that moment he had the biggest smile. He was so proud of himself in that moment, and so was I.
One Step at a Time
So here we are, parked at Walmart, with no idea what we were really doing here. We entered the store and start the conversation. He gets a shopping cart and asks me to get my own. We’re off without a game plan and sadly, without my morning coffee. We decided that what would probably make them the happiest, was to have food. Evan had come to the conclusion that they probably didn’t play with toys.
I decided on what we could afford and we headed off to the deli counter. We decided that we were going to make 25 lunches. Although, we didn’t quite know what we were going to do with them, that would be our plan for now. When we got to the counter we ordered ham and turkey. My very shy and introverted son proceeded to start a conversation with the person behind the counter. In a loud voice he said were going to make the homeless people happy! Then asked the lady if it was free because we were helping someone and that it wasn’t for us! Turning to me in that moment he had the biggest smile. He was so proud of himself in that moment, and so was I.
Our first Donation!
We decided that we would need other items such as bread, paper bags, cookies, carrots, celery and bananas for something healthy. Lollipops of course were added next because they were Evans favorite. When we got to the cash register the cashier laughed. She asked us if we were going to have a BBQ in the blizzard because of all the bread we bought. Evan responded no we are making lunch for the homeless. Immediately after hearing this the cashier gave him a $20 bill out of her pocket.
Evan was amazed but didn’t understand why she was giving us money because she was a stranger. So I explained to him that is was ok to take the money, because she was a nice lady trying to help us.
I remember trying to unpack the groceries into the car while the wind was howling at my back. Thinking to myself… I am so proud right now. However, I still don’t really know what we are going to do exactly. Without a doubt, I knew that we would figure this out together one step at a time. It was going to be a day to remember.
Our first Donation!
We decided that we would need other items such as bread, paper bags, cookies, carrots, celery and bananas for something healthy. Lollipops of course were added next because they were Evans favorite. When we got to the cash register the cashier laughed. She asked us if we were going to have a BBQ in the blizzard because of all the bread we bought. Evan responded no we are making lunch for the homeless. Immediately after hearing this the cashier gave him a $20 bill out of her pocket.
Evan was amazed but didn’t understand why she was giving us money because she was a stranger. So I explained to him that is was ok to take the money, because she was a nice lady trying to help us.
I remember trying to unpack the groceries into the car while the wind was howling at my back. Thinking to myself… I am so proud right now. However, I still don’t really know what we are going to do exactly. Without a doubt, I knew that we would figure this out together one step at a time. It was going to be a day to remember.
Our first Donation!
We decided that we would need other items such as bread, paper bags, cookies, carrots, celery and bananas for something healthy. Lollipops of course were added next because they were Evans favorite. When we got to the cash register the cashier laughed. She asked us if we were going to have a BBQ in the blizzard because of all the bread we bought. Evan responded no we are making lunch for the homeless. Immediately after hearing this the cashier gave him a $20 bill out of her pocket.
Evan was amazed but didn’t understand why she was giving us money because she was a stranger. So I explained to him that is was ok to take the money, because she was a nice lady trying to help us.
I remember trying to unpack the groceries into the car while the wind was howling at my back. Thinking to myself… I am so proud right now. However, I still don’t really know what we are going to do exactly. Without a doubt, I knew that we would figure this out together one step at a time. It was going to be a day to remember.
The Plan
We arrived home, my husband was now awake and was surprised that we really did buy stuff for the homeless. Now what? Evan wanted to make all 25 sandwiches by himself which surprised me since he wouldn’t even make his own lunch. The sandwiches were a little messy to tell you the truth. The look on his face when he finished them was something I will never forget. He was so proud that he had prepared them alone that I left them the way they were. Didn’t change one single thing. Once the lunches were all made he decided that since it was so close to Christmas, he wanted to include stickers and special messages to go with the lunches. So we did that too.
We then borrowed a wagon from my neighbor and decided that we were going to “find” homeless people and give them a lunch. Just like that. By now it was 3 pm in the afternoon and this is all that we had done since 6 am this morning. It was way past anyone’s lunchtime but we headed downtown anyways.
The Plan
We arrived home, my husband was now awake and was surprised that we really did buy stuff for the homeless. Now what? Evan wanted to make all 25 sandwiches by himself which surprised me since he wouldn’t even make his own lunch. The sandwiches were a little messy to tell you the truth. The look on his face when he finished them was something I will never forget. He was so proud that he had prepared them alone that I left them the way they were. Didn’t change one single thing. Once the lunches were all made he decided that since it was so close to Christmas, he wanted to include stickers and special messages to go with the lunches. So we did that too.
We then borrowed a wagon from my neighbor and decided that we were going to “find” homeless people and give them a lunch. Just like that. By now it was 3 pm in the afternoon and this is all that we had done since 6 am this morning. It was way past anyone’s lunchtime but we headed downtown anyways.
The Plan
We arrived home, my husband was now awake and was surprised that we really did buy stuff for the homeless. Now what? Evan wanted to make all 25 sandwiches by himself which surprised me since he wouldn’t even make his own lunch. The sandwiches were a little messy to tell you the truth. The look on his face when he finished them was something I will never forget. He was so proud that he had prepared them alone that I left them the way they were. Didn’t change one single thing. Once the lunches were all made he decided that since it was so close to Christmas, he wanted to include stickers and special messages to go with the lunches. So we did that too.
We then borrowed a wagon from my neighbor and decided that we were going to “find” homeless people and give them a lunch. Just like that. By now it was 3 pm in the afternoon and this is all that we had done since 6 am this morning. It was way past anyone’s lunchtime but we headed downtown anyways.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can
hear and the blind can see.”
Here We Go
The wagon barely fit into my car. Evan was dressed warmly in his snowsuit, hat, scarf and mitts and we were off. When we arrived downtown I didn’t really see anyone. Visibility was terrible, it was very cold, windy and difficult to push the wagon through the snow while holding onto my son’s hand.
We went down to a local coffee shop to pick up a coffee for me and perhaps buy two more to give away. When they figured out what we were doing, the staff at the coffee shop donated 6 coffees to us . We left the shop and started walking around for a while. I ended up spilling half of these very hot coffees on myself. Holding on to the coffees with one hand while I was attempting to hold Evan’s hand with the other proved difficult. He was also having a hard time pulling this wagon through this snow on this hill. What a sight we must have been!
Feeling defeated and cold, we were about to give up. The paper lunches were getting snowed on and we weren’t seeing anyone that we could help until we turned the corner.
Here We Go
The wagon barely fit into my car. Evan was dressed warmly in his snowsuit, hat, scarf and mitts and we were off. When we arrived downtown I didn’t really see anyone. Visibility was terrible, it was very cold, windy and difficult to push the wagon through the snow while holding onto my son’s hand.
We went down to a local coffee shop to pick up a coffee for me and perhaps buy two more to give away. When they figured out what we were doing, the staff at the coffee shop donated 6 coffees to us . We left the shop and started walking around for a while. I ended up spilling half of these very hot coffees on myself. Holding on to the coffees with one hand while I was attempting to hold Evan’s hand with the other proved difficult. He was also having a hard time pulling this wagon through this snow on this hill. What a sight we must have been!
Feeling defeated and cold, we were about to give up. The paper lunches were getting snowed on and we weren’t seeing anyone that we could help until we turned the corner.
Helping Others
We saw a parked school bus and noticed that people were lined up waiting to get onto this bus. It was a Sunday and we were not sure why a school bus would be parked there. I decided that we would go find out who these people were. As it turned out, sadly, all these people waiting in the cold were in need. They were waiting to board the school bus, that would transport them to the Salvation Army for dinner. Only thing was it was only 4 pm and they had to wait an hour before they could be let in for dinner. Rather than everyone braving the storm, the bus driver allowed them to board the bus until they were ready to head over.
Evan and I asked if we could enter the bus. Once on, we explained to the driver what we were wanting to do and asked if it was alright. As we walked through the bus we asked if anyone wanted a free lunch while they were waiting. We still had some coffee, although not much and we offered that too. One passenger got up from her seat and asked if she could hug my son. A few others started clapping. I was overcome with emotion in that moment. A couple of children my sons age smiled at us. I will never forget how it felt.
Helping Others
We saw a parked school bus and noticed that people were lined up waiting to get onto this bus. It was a Sunday and we were not sure why a school bus would be parked there. I decided that we would go find out who these people were. As it turned out, sadly, all these people waiting in the cold were in need. They were waiting to board the school bus, that would transport them to the Salvation Army for dinner. Only thing was it was only 4 pm and they had to wait an hour before they could be let in for dinner. Rather than everyone braving the storm, the bus driver allowed them to board the bus until they were ready to head over.
Evan and I asked if we could enter the bus. Once on, we explained to the driver what we were wanting to do and asked if it was alright. As we walked through the bus we asked if anyone wanted a free lunch while they were waiting. We still had some coffee, although not much and we offered that too. One passenger got up from her seat and asked if she could hug my son. A few others started clapping. I was overcome with emotion in that moment. A couple of children my sons age smiled at us. I will never forget how it felt.
Helping Others
We saw a parked school bus and noticed that people were lined up waiting to get onto this bus. It was a Sunday and we were not sure why a school bus would be parked there. I decided that we would go find out who these people were. As it turned out, sadly, all these people waiting in the cold were in need. They were waiting to board the school bus, that would transport them to the Salvation Army for dinner. Only thing was it was only 4 pm and they had to wait an hour before they could be let in for dinner. Rather than everyone braving the storm, the bus driver allowed them to board the bus until they were ready to head over.
Evan and I asked if we could enter the bus. Once on, we explained to the driver what we were wanting to do and asked if it was alright. As we walked through the bus we asked if anyone wanted a free lunch while they were waiting. We still had some coffee, although not much and we offered that too. One passenger got up from her seat and asked if she could hug my son. A few others started clapping. I was overcome with emotion in that moment. A couple of children my sons age smiled at us. I will never forget how it felt.
The Humbling Truth
It was so humbling to see these human beings being so grateful for the little that we were offering. It made us sad that there were so many that are struggling. Finally Evan said he was really cold so we left the bus and started for the car. Looking back at the nus we could see a few passengers waving to us and smiling. Once the wagon and Evan were safely back in the car, he turned to me and said, “Mom, I knew they weren’t scary just a little bit dirty” and they are the same as us”.
When we arrived home we recounting all that had happened to my husband. He was talking so fast and then said without hesitation, “yeah dad, next time you can come too”! Evan inspires me, not because he is my son but because even as a young child he did what some adults fail to do, think of others.
The Humbling Truth
It was so humbling to see these human beings being so grateful for the little that we were offering. It made us sad that there were so many that are struggling. Finally Evan said he was really cold so we left the bus and started for the car. Looking back at the nus we could see a few passengers waving to us and smiling. Once the wagon and Evan were safely back in the car, he turned to me and said, “Mom, I knew they weren’t scary just a little bit dirty” and they are the same as us”.
When we arrived home we recounting all that had happened to my husband. He was talking so fast and then said without hesitation, “yeah dad, next time you can come too”! Evan inspires me, not because he is my son but because even as a young child he did what some adults fail to do, think of others.
The Humbling Truth
It was so humbling to see these human beings being so grateful for the little that we were offering. It made us sad that there were so many that are struggling. Finally Evan said he was really cold so we left the bus and started for the car. Looking back at the nus we could see a few passengers waving to us and smiling. Once the wagon and Evan were safely back in the car, he turned to me and said, “Mom, I knew they weren’t scary just a little bit dirty” and they are the same as us”.
When we arrived home we recounting all that had happened to my husband. He was talking so fast and then said without hesitation, “yeah dad, next time you can come too”! Evan inspires me, not because he is my son but because even as a young child he did what some adults fail to do, think of others.
How Evan's Loot Bag for the Homeless
Project Has Evolved
Since that day, every year in November we commit to continuing Evan’s Loot Bag Project. We have just completed our 7th year in 2019.
2013 – We had another family join us with our food drive this year and we prepared another 25 lunches. There were 5 children and 3 adults in total helping to prepare and give out the lunches. The children prepared a “presentation” and went store to store asking for donations. We were super proud of them.
2014 – Donations grew, volunteers grew and therefore we began making 50 lunches that year. This year we introduced 50 blessing bags to go along with the lunches. We were able to place 10 items in these blessing bags. With the donations that we had received we were able to include some toiletries, warm hats and mitts. We were so excited and happy to be able to serve more people in our community. We now had about 5 families join us. In addition, we were able to donate clothes to some of those members in the community that needed them.
How Evan's Loot Bag for the Homeless
Project Has Evolved
Since that day, every year in November we commit to continuing Evan’s Loot Bag Project. We have just completed our 7th year in 2019.
2013 – We had another family join us with our food drive this year and we prepared another 25 lunches. There were 5 children and 3 adults in total helping to prepare and give out the lunches. The children prepared a “presentation” and went store to store asking for donations. We were super proud of them.
2014 – Donations grew, volunteers grew and therefore we began making 50 lunches that year. This year we introduced 50 blessing bags to go along with the lunches. We were able to place 10 items in these blessing bags. With the donations that we had received we were able to include some toiletries, warm hats and mitts. We were so excited and happy to be able to serve more people in our community. We now had about 5 families join us. In addition, we were able to donate clothes to some of those members in the community that needed them.
With your Help we were able to keep Growing
2015 – New families came out to help and support the cause this year! It was truly overwhelming. Barrie CTV News heard about what we were doing and decided to do a story on our project. They interviewed some of the children and heard there perspective. This year we were also able to provide 50 $5 Tim Horton gift cards and reach even more people!
2016 – In 2016 we increased the number of items that we provided in the blessing bags to 17. We continued to provide 50 lunches, blessing bags, gift cards and homemade cards.
2017 – This year we were able to work together with the Barrie Out of the Cold Outreach Van. They assisted us in distributing some of our blessing bags and lunches. They were able to reach individuals who were in desperate need but that we could not reach ourselves.
2018 – Our blessing bags now had about 22 items in each. We had now included tarps as well. The number of volunteers were also growing.
2019 – This year we are proud to say that we had over 30 volunteers! They assisted in gathering donations and collecting and purchasing items for the Loot Bags. Several of them helped prepare the food and blessing bags also. Some of them assisted in delivering out into the community. In addition to 50 lunches, we had 50 blessing bags, 15 sleeping bags, 13 winter coats and boots, 27 blankets and 50 Tim Horton’s gift cards. Another news story was reported by barrie.ctvnews.ca
2020 – Due to the Global Pandemic, in lieu of hand delivering the gift bags, clothes and blankets we brought them to the Busby Centre in Barrie. The Food we delivered to the Salvation Army who distributed it for us.
2021 – This year, the children were excited to get back out there and interact with our Homeless Friends. With masks in tow and gloves we delivered 50 gift bags containing 14 toiletry items, as well as our lunches with homemade cards! What a special year that was as we were so happy to connect in person again!
With your Help we were able to keep Growing
2015 – New families came out to help and support the cause this year! It was truly overwhelming. Barrie CTV News heard about what we were doing and decided to do a story on our project. They interviewed some of the children and heard there perspective. This year we were also able to provide 50 $5 Tim Horton gift cards and reach even more people!
2016 – In 2016 we increased the number of items that we provided in the blessing bags to 17. We continued to provide 50 lunches, blessing bags, gift cards and homemade cards.
2017 – This year we were able to work together with the Barrie Out of the Cold Outreach Van. They assisted us in distributing some of our blessing bags and lunches. They were able to reach individuals who were in desperate need but that we could not reach ourselves.
2018 – Our blessing bags now had about 22 items in each. We had now included tarps as well. The number of volunteers were also growing.
2019 – This year we are proud to say that we had over 30 volunteers! They assisted in gathering donations and collecting and purchasing items for the Loot Bags. Several of them helped prepare the food and blessing bags also. Some of them assisted in delivering out into the community. In addition to 50 lunches, we had 50 blessing bags, 15 sleeping bags, 13 winter coats and boots, 27 blankets and 50 Tim Horton’s gift cards. Another news story was reported by barrie.ctvnews.ca
Thank You
Evan’s Loot Bags for The Homeless Project would not be where it is today without the support of our friends, family and our community. A great big thank you to those who donate, volunteer and support us. You are truly amazing human beings!
We invite you to create an experience where you can make a difference, and give of your time to someone who otherwise may be forgotten. You sure will be glad you did!
Thank You
Evan’s Loot Bags for The Homeless Project would not be where it is today without the support of our friends, family and our community. A great big thank you to those who donate, volunteer and support us. You are truly amazing human beings!
We invite you to create an experience where you can make a difference, and give of your time to someone who otherwise may be forgotten. You sure will be glad you did!
Thank You
Evan’s Loot Bags for The Homeless Project would not be where it is today without the support of our friends, family and our community. A great big thank you to those who donate, volunteer and support us. You are truly amazing human beings!
We invite you to create an experience where you can make a difference, and give of your time to someone who otherwise may be forgotten. You sure will be glad you did!