FIRST RESPONSE BAGS
Cari delivering back packs to Steve from MACV
First Response Bags are backpacks filled with basic necessities that the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans can give to a veteran in need who may have little or nothing to call their own. We fill the bags with items that are either donated from our 'needs list' or with items purchased with money that has been donated. We assemble the bags and deliver them to the MACV office in Duluth.
We do not decide who receives these bags. MACV has been assisting veterans for over 21 years, so we know their experience means that these bags will end up in the hands of the veterans who need them the most.
We do not decide who receives these bags. MACV has been assisting veterans for over 21 years, so we know their experience means that these bags will end up in the hands of the veterans who need them the most.
Get your group or organization together to help us fill these bags! Either pick an item from the list to focus on (ask everyone to bring a package of socks to your next meeting), or just ask everyone to bring anything from the needs list. We are happy to come to you to pick up your donation! Because we have been diligently shopping for the best deals on these items for years, we are more than happy to accept monetary donations as well. We have the ability to stretch your dollar even farther so we can help as many vets as possible.
This is an ongoing program, so your donations are always welcome!
E mail us with any questions at info@helpmnvets.org
Items Needed for First Response Bags
(We are using full sized items as opposed to trial sizes.)
Toothbrush / tooth paste (best deals found at Walgreens and any dollar stores)
2-in-1 Shampoo / conditioner (such as Suave 2-in-1 for Men, and Garnier Fructis 2-in-1 for Women)
Body wash (bottled body wash will be easier to transport and reuse than a bar of soap)
Hand Lotion (preferably with a flip top as opposed to a pump)
Towel and washcloth (watch for Kohl's "Big One" towels for $2.99)
Antiperspirant / Deodorant (Walgreen’s has on sale/coupons frequently)
Hand sanitizer (dollar stores - preferably with a flip top)
Lip balm (Cherry or Mint Chapstick are perfect, preferably with sunscreen)
Comb and brush (found good ones at the dollar store)
Razors and shaving cream (Costco is great for big boxes of Gillette razors)
Hat and gloves (for winter months - Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart, or even Menard’s have great sales)
Sunscreen (in the summer)
$8.00 Gift certificates for Dairy Queen (enough for a meal)
Travel size first aid kit (available at dollar stores)
White athletic socks, and black dress socks (Wal-Mart and Kohl's have good sales)
Bottled Water (16.9 ounce bottles)
Small manicure sets in hard cases (at most Dollar Stores)
Flavor packets for bottled water (they now make these with anti-oxidants and immunity boosters)
Non-perishable snack (Pringles, FiberOne bars, anything in a small package)
Approximately 80% of veterans receiving these bags will be men -
but we still need some items for women, so feel free to get some 'girlie stuff'.
For all they've done for us, this is the least we can do for them.
