Our Story

Our 1st Blessing Bags

The Kids Blessing Bag Project sprang from a simple lesson in generosity I wanted to teach my daughter, Sanaya. When she was just five years old, we had a little routine during our trips to Aldi. The store’s carts require a quarter to unlock, and I would always give the quarter to Sanaya to handle. One day, we noticed a homeless man sitting next to the carts. I suggested to Sanaya that we give the quarter to the man. She was visibly upset—after all, in her eyes, that was her quarter going to a stranger.

In the car, we talked about why we gave the quarter away. I explained the situation to her, trying to make sense of it in terms a five-year-old could understand. At that moment, I realized I wanted to instill the value of giving back in her from a young age. However, when I searched online for local volunteer opportunities, I found none that welcomed young children.

Around this time, a friend posted about feeding the homeless at Newark Penn Station with an organization called Brothers Making a Difference. Seeing it as a perfect opportunity, I took Sanaya with me on a cold night in January 2017 to help feed the homeless. Sanaya was assigned to water duty, and she loved every minute of it but often fell asleep in the car on the way back home. Although it was a great cause, the activity was too late for a young child.

Continuing my search online, I eventually stumbled upon the concept of blessing bags—simple ziplock bags filled with essential items. It seemed like the perfect solution. We headed to the dollar store, filled bags with goods, and kept them in our car. Whenever we encountered someone in need, Sanaya would hand out a bag.

My cousin, aware of our little project, asked if I knew of any volunteer opportunities for kids. His inquiry confirmed there was a broader need. Inspired by the groundwork laid by Brothers Making a Difference and the visible need from parents wanting to involve even their toddlers, the Kids Blessing Bag Project began. The project has evolved into a volunteering platform and a way to teach kids about earning, spending, and giving back. That's what we aim to continue doing—helping children learn the power of generosity. Now, as a teenager, Sanaya embodies such generosity and kindness, traits that are truly admirable.