Marieam Bah Capstone - Homeless Care Packages

Everyday we get up to brush our teeth with toothpaste, wash our bodies with soap, shampoo and condition our hair, moisture our bodies with lotion, and for women use the necessary feminine hygiene items. We are fortunate to have these small, but dire necessities daily. Unfortunately, 400,000 of 1.6 million Philadelphians are not as lucky. My mission is to create 50 personal care packages for homeless men and women in Philadelphia complete with necessary toiletries including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, socks, a bottle of water, and pads/tampon for women. My motivation for helping the homeless came after watching a YouTube video I came across randomly, it was about homeless women who struggled monthly to get the necessary feminine care products like pads and tampons. I was immediately moved by the video and decided to apply my efforts to respond to the issue via my senior capstone project. I set out to raise $300 to purchase the necessary supplies for 50 care packages through donations in-person and online. I was able to raise $165.70, this will be enough for 30 care packages. It is 20 less packages than my goal, however I am happy to be able to make any contribution, no matter how small to helping those less fortunate than most with the most basic of necessities. I am also glad for the lesson I have learned in taking on this project and the support I received from my family, friends, teachers, and people that believe in the project.