Ways you can make a difference

When a disaster strikes, hygiene bags and family buckets are needed on-hand to be packed and shipped immediately. Groups in the U.S. can prepare these kits ahead of time and send them to our Nashville facility to be available for the next disaster.

 

Tangible ways you can get involved:

 

  • Schedule a group packing party at HHI — Contact Nancy Markwood
  • Volunteer in the HHI Nashville warehouse — Fill out the volunteer form 
  • Coordinate a group packing party at your school or church (see below) 
  • Donate items via our Amazon wish lists (see below)

How to pack relief kits

Hygiene bag

Hygiene bags should include the following:

 

  • Bar of Soap
  • Hand Towel- x3
  • Washcloth
  • Toothpaste -Full size 
  • Toothbrush
  • Shampoo
  • Deodorant – Non aerosol  
  • Brush/Comb
  • Flip Flops – Any size
  • 1 Box band-aids in assorted sizes

 

Please place items in a 2 gallon zip lock bag. 

Download a printer friendly list of the hygiene bag packing list, or shop for the hygiene bags by visiting our Amazon Wish List! Please let us know if you order on Amazon so that we can be on the lookout for them.

Family Bucket

Family buckets filled with daily necessities have met the needs of refugees and displaced people in disaster situations over a number of years. These 5-gallon painter-grade buckets with lids not only store items but protect them from the elements—and serve as a temporary stool when traveling from place to place. Each bucket should be filled with ALL of the items listed below:

  • 3 Hand Towels (Thin is best)
  • Silverware—Fork, Spoon, Knife x 4 (Used Acceptable)
  • 1 Box Kitchen Matches
  • 1 Food Storage Container (Gladware, etc.)
  • Paring Knives x 2
  • 1 Flexible Strainer Bowl (Optional)
  • 1 Cutting Mat (Flexible)
  • 1 Bottle Antibacterial Hand Soap (Personal Size)
  • 1 Pair Adult Scissors
  • 1 Bottle Dawn Dish Soap (24 oz size)
  • Band Aids
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • 1 Stick Women’s Deodorant (Non-Aerosol)
  • 1 Stick Men’s Deodorant (Non -Aerosol)
  • 1 Tube Toothpaste (NOT Travel Size)
  • 3 Packs of Two-Count Toothbrushes
  • 1 Clothesline Rope
  • 1 Bottle Shampoo (Suave, White Rain, etc.)
  • 2 Bars bath Soap (Dial, Irish, etc.) 
  • 1 Pack of 4 Scouring Pads
  • 1 Vegetable Cleaning Brush
  • 1 Scrubbing Brush with Handle
  • 1 Set of 2 Square Pot Holders
  • 4 Coffee Mugs—NOT Ceramic (Used Acceptable; Metal or Plastic)
  • 1 Hand Grater
  • Spiral Notepads and Pens
  • 1 Box of Emergency Candles (3 Hours or More)
  • Small Flashlights
  • Lip Balm
  • Small Packs of Kleenex
  • Coloring Books and Crayons
  • Brush or Comb
  • Encouragement Card 

 

Empty buckets are available for pick up at 455 McNally Drive, Nashville, TN.

Download a printer friendly list of the family bucket items, or shop for the family buckets by visiting our Amazon Wish List! Please let us know if you order on Amazon so that we can be on the lookout for them.

Feminine Hygiene Kit

Please contact Nancy Markwood at nmarkwood@hhi.org if you would like to know more about the Feminine Hygiene kits.

Diaper Bag

Please contact Nancy Markwood at nmarkwood@hhi.org if you would like to know more about the Diaper Bags.