Gathering (Lower Waste) Essentials for Unhoused Children

Recently Adam and I learned that there are an estimated 317 boys and girls (ages 5-17) living in cars, on the streets, in shelters, tents and temporary homes here in our part of Los Angeles.* None of these children have a permanent home to return to at the end of a school day. As such, the unified schools in the area have embarked upon a mission to provide these young ones with backpacks stocked with educational and hygiene essentials.

Along with West and our friend Sara Toufali of Black & Blooms, we gathered supplies nearby and then filled some backpacks together at the cottage.

Above: West greeting Sara

Above: Sara took photos of the list and supplies to share with her community to help spread the word.

We tried to avoid plastic products and packaging where possible within our budget limitations. (We failed in several categories, including glue sticks and pencil sharpeners.)

For example, we opted for combination shampoo+conditioner bars (which we think will hopefully last the children longer), Bite Toothpaste Bits and their bamboo brushes, and select items bought in a single bulk package and then divided up into smaller bunches with twine.

(In retrospect, it would’ve been wise to do some of the supply shopping at an office or art store where we could’ve gotten pens and other smaller goods with no packaging involved.) 

If you have the means and would like to donate (before December 9th), the link is here. Donations will go to directly to buying backpacks and stocking them with: 

• blankets

• brushes

• combs

• $25.00 Target/Walmart gift cards

• shampoo & conditioner

• socks

• toothbrushes & toothpaste

• wide-ruled paper

• color pencils

• color markers

• erasers

• pencils

• glue sticks

• highlighters

• ink pens

• notebooks

• sharpeners

*Information provided via the Education Committee of the Venice Chamber of Commerce and the unified schools within the area.