The Red Bag - Home - Help the Homeless for $5

A 501(c)3 Nonprofit

The Red Bag is a non-profit organization bringing low-cost bags with basic essentials to the homeless people we see everyday. Red Bags cost only $5.
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the bag

Red Bags come filled with high protein food and water inside a reusable, water-resistant, and recyclable drawstring bag. We encourage you to add whatever you like to make your gift extra special

what's inside

personalize

drawstring bag

cost

Energy Bar

The energy bar used in the Red Bag is high in protein and packaged to withstand the fluctuating temperatures in your car. It's made with organic ingredients so it's not only delicious, but also nutritious.

Water

Everybody needs water, yet, the homeless of America lack sustainable drinking water. By adding water to the Red Bag, we've ensured that every recipient remains hydrated and has access to life's most basic requirement.

Trail Mix

This bag of fun is not only meant as a treat, but also as a nutritious option. The nuts inside provide a healthy amount of protein, a necessary element for the homeless. Plus, the chocolate is just irresistible.

Beef Stick

This mini beef stick can be taken anywhere for that quick boost of energy needed to get through the day. It provides a tasty and wholesome option to complete the meal.

Gum

Chewing gum is a surprisingly important part of the package: it helps to maintain teeth and provides an alternative to many addictions. Plus, it tastes good.

Raisins

These balance the diet by providing an equivalent to fruit in a box. They provide a high amount of antioxidants to support our body. Of course, you can always add your own fruit to the bag.

Note card

We feel that the best way to connect to the homeless is to personalize your gift to them. That's why we included a card in the Red Bag. You can show your care and support for your friend by offering a little note of encouragement.

Hand Wipe

We want to make sure that the homeless can enjoy a sanitary meal, so we add in a hand wipe. This prevents against disease which occurs frequently in the often unclean conditions of the streets.

Drawstring bag

All of this fits inside a sturdy, reusable, recyclable, and water-resistant drawstring bag. There's plenty of room to include whatever items you would like to add to make it extra special.

Personalize

We encourage you to encourage others, and handing out a Red Bag is the perfect way to do that. Before you hand one out, put a little thought into your gift. Maybe write a message on the included card. It doesn't have to be long, and you don't need to promise anything, but let them know you're thinking of them.

write a note

Each Red Bag comes with a blank note for you to write a personal message to your neighbor. Take 30 seconds to write words of encouragement.

add something fresh

There are some things we just can't include, so consider baking some oven-baked cookies, packing a ham and cheese sandwich, or adding fresh fruit.

celebrate the season

In the summer, sunscreen and extra water are always appreciated. When it gets cold, consider including warm socks, knitting a scarf, or giving a blanket.

Drawstring Bag

We chose a polypropylene bag because it's durable, water resistant, and reusable. The Red Bag can withstand weight and pressure. Water flows right off the surface. The Red Bag not only holds the food it comes with, but also any blankets or belongings that can fit inside.

It's Red

Red is a color of passion. It's also a color of aid. The Red Bag is red simply because it draws attention to the cause. It causes us to see our neighbors in need. Think of the Red Bag as a care package: it's a bag full of essentials being handed to someone who needs it, and it's full of love.

It's Reusable

Red Bags are made of a tough material that can hold anything you throw at it, or rather, inside it. A lot of work went into deciding what type of bag to use for our product. Ultimately, drawstring bags were the way to go because they provide the durability and portability needed for their long-lasting purpose. They are perfect to carry or use as a backpack and the drawstring allows you to cinch it up so food and clothing stay safe inside.

It's Waterproof

When it rains, the homeless are cold and wet. Worse, if they can't find a shelter, their belongings--like blankets and socks--get wet so they often lose warmth. Luckily, the Red Bag is resistant to water, so it can withstand rain and wind and keep socks dry and warm inside.

It's Recyclable

The Red Bag is recyclable, making it eco-friendly. The polypropylene material is a plastic that can be recycled.

Cost

Red Bags are designed to replace the $5 bill. Everything inside the bag--the food, water, hand wipe, etc.--plus the drawstring bag itself cost just $5.

cash feeds addicitons

An unfortunate common cause and side effect of homelessness is addiction of some form. Handing cash to the homeless can feed addictions instead of helping our neighbors overcome them.

the cash substitute - a red bag

Handing out a Red Bag is just like handing out a $5 bill, but you'll know where your money is going. Through a Red Bag, you're offering our neighbors a meal, encouragement, and a reusable bag, all for $5.

learn about homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects every major city in the US. Get informed about the causes of homelessness, common misconceptions, and ways you can help our neighbors in need.

homeless facts and figures

Learn about the cities with the highest homeless populations and the socio-economic breakdown here.

the four root causes

Homelessness is caused by four interconnected issues: addictions, family troubles, mental illness, and job loss.

common misconceptions

Homeless men and women are often stereotyped unfairly. Understand the facts here.

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Bring the Red Bag in the car, on your back, or simply carry them wherever you go.

Start a Project

If you're interested in volunteering, join us! We've compiled all the information you need to get you up and running. Don't worry, we're there for every question you may have.

Become a Red Bag Ambassador

If you're a high school student passionate about getting involved in your community, we'll help you bring the Red Bag to your school, parish or club!

Teachers - Engage Students with The Red Bag

The Red Bag is the perfect project for your class! We've developed a lesson plan so that you can teach your students about the homeless while giving them a chance to help others. We include worksheets and discussion topics so your next project is covered.

get in touch

Interested in learning more or have an idea for the Red Bag? Drop us a line!

Tel:
+1 919.473.3224

Email:
info@red-bag.org

Help the Homeless for $5

Become an Ambassador