We are partnered with Every Day Action to provide them bags for the Personal Care Kits they put together to distribute to the homeless encampments in the LA area they serve.  These kits contain essential personal care items like toothpaste, socks, toothbrushes, combs, feminine hygiene products, soap sacks, and other essentials.

 

We have 4 bag options:

​

1) Up-cycled Feed bags - Using the model of Every Day Action and taking perceived waste and redistributing it: Our primary bag patterns is an up-cycled bag that reclaims dog food or feed bags and transforms them in to reusable tote bags! We have videos below, here is the basic supply list and how to prep them for sewing: 

Materials:

• Feed bags (made of tarp-like plastic)

• Washing machine

• Tide with Oxyclean, Oxyclean, or baking soda

• Strong thread (Bonded UV thread recommended) Heavy Duty Polyester ok. 

1. Prepare the bags:

   • Cut off the top and bottom of the bag.

   • Remove any remaining crumbs.

2. Clean the feed bags:

   • Fill your washing machine tub as full as possible.

   • You may have to override your tub's settings to ensure the tank is full

   • Use Tide with Oxyclean, or Oxyclean or Baking Soda with your detergent

   • Avoid harsh chemicals like Borax or bleach.

   • Hang the bags to dry and if there's still odor or oil, rewash

Tips:

• If a bag doesn't survive the washing process, it wouldn't have survived as a bag for our partner. Toss it and be glad you didn't sew something that wouldn't last!

• For a larger number of bags or to involve kids, consider using a kiddie pool outside to wash them. Fill it with water, add dish soap and scrub the bags. Rinse thoroughly.

​

By following these steps, you can transform old feed bags into durable and eco-friendly reusable bags to distribute with hygiene supplies to people experiencing homelessness.

​

2) Tote Bag from a Large Tarp - You can create tote bags that are functional, reusable and very sturdy using a tarp from the hardware store! A camo or dark one is preferred. 

​

3) Large Heavy Duty Tote Bags - You can use our patterns for the Super Tote or similar pattern and create a large heavy duty bag. See below for fabric. 

​

4) Adult sized drawstring backpacks - Sewn drawstring backpacks are a great option as they pull close and keep items from getting lost. See below for fabric. 

 

Our neighbors who are unsheltered need bags that are strong and weather resistant. Please use darker colors so they are less likely to show dirt and and stand out, which can be important for safety. 

Great fabrics:

                     

 

​

 

 

5) Soap Sacks- Knit/Crochet soap sacks will be placed in hygiene bags. 

​

6) Warm Winter Items- Collecting winter items September 15th through January 30th. 

• Items are only for unsheltered adults and will be skewed 70/30 male

• Please use darker colors to hide dirt and not stand out, which can be important for safety.  

• Hats & Gloves: Knit/Crochet or single layer fleece 

• ​Earwarmers FLEECE ONLY​​

​

We have a special Wish List set up to help us fill up the bags and backpacks we are making. We distribute our bags on Skid Row, Veterans Row and other locations throughout LA in collaboration with Every Day Action. If you'd like to help us fill up our bags with much needed hygiene items please find needed items here: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​