Westminster, CO

How would life be without little things like deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, lip balm, hand sanitizer or clean socks? The youth group of Family in Christ Community Church decided to make a difference with little things like these by providing “Breaking Free Bags” full of basic necessities for members of Denver’s homeless population.

After hosting a Breaking Free Banquet to introduce their idea, they’ve received lots of donations from both church members and local companies. Once each month, the youth group gets together to assemble the bags, then goes to downtown Denver to distribute them. Morgan says that delivering the bags and talking with the people who receive them has changed the perspective of everyone involved.

While the Family in Christ youth group has taken the lead on this ministry, the whole church has gotten involved. One church member held a donation drive at his office. Some have started carrying Breaking Free Bags in their cars to share with homeless people they might meet. “The most rewarding part of this ministry,” said Morgan, “is seeing how much the congregation really does care about the homeless people in our city of Denver.”