It's one thing to talk about compassion; it's another to put it into action. While compassion is typically a spontaneous response to a specific need, it doesn't hurt to plan ahead. One of my favorite things to do is to make "bags of love" to carry in my car. These are designed with the homeless in mind. They're simply Ziploc bags with necessity items in them. I don't have to worry that my offering will go toward the purchase of alcohol or drugs. Instead, I can be confident that if the person asking alms is truly needy, then I have helped someone.
 A bag of love can include anything, but I like the following items: *non-perishable food/drink items *socks *razors, soap, toothbrush/paste, wipes, or other hygiene items |  I like to add a contact note that includes the number to a helpful agency, a church, and a personal note of cheer. |  I put it in the smallest Ziploc possible as it makes it easier to carry in my car, and it looks fuller to the person receiving it. I tag it with a kind word. |  Shopping at the Dollar Tree, I can make 3 full bags for under $10. |
Other items to include: bus tickets, coupons for free food/coffee, a couple of dollars, gift cards to restaurants, lip balm, deodorant, tokens to wash clothes...
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