Spreading Holiday Cheer: Delivering CarrieOn Bags to the Homeless of Solano County
This past weekend, a small but mighty army of CarrieOn Foundation volunteers took to the streets of Solano County, delivering 250 CarrieOn bags to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Armed with kindness and holiday cheer, the group visited Vallejo, Fairfield, Benicia, Dixon, Vacaville, and surrounding areas, bringing comfort, hope, and essential items to those in need.
The effort was the culmination of months of preparation, donations, and community support. Each bag, packed with necessities like socks, gloves, blankets, hygiene items, and homemade cookies, carried more than just physical items—it carried a message of love, dignity, and compassion.
Moments That Mattered
Delivering the bags was a profoundly moving experience for volunteers and recipients alike. In Vallejo, one volunteer gently handed a CarrieOn bag to a woman sitting near a bus stop. Her face lit up with surprise and gratitude as she exclaimed, “You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you for thinking of us.”
In Fairfield, a group of volunteers visited a small encampment of tents, where they were greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt conversations. One man, clutching his new blanket, shared, “This makes me feel like someone actually sees me. Like I matter.”
The Power of Connection
For many volunteers, the experience was transformative. As one volunteer shared in a personal testimony:
“I used to be afraid of homeless people. I would look the other way when coming across one. I’m not sure where this fear came from. This is my second year distributing bags, and meeting various homeless people and hearing their stories has taken all the fear I ever had away. The smiles on their faces, the joy they express, and the heartfelt thanks from each and every one of them—not just for the gifts in the bag, but because someone cared enough to think of them. We could all use a little more care in this world.”
In Vacaville, volunteers encountered a young mother and her two children who had recently lost their housing. Handing her a CarrieOn bag adorned with a pink ribbon for feminine supplies, a volunteer hugged her and shared words of encouragement. “The little things in this bag help us survive,” the mother said tearfully. “But your kindness helps us keep going.”
A Collective Effort
This remarkable day of giving was made possible by the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the shared belief that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change. Each $50 donation that funded a CarrieOn bag represented a connection between giver and receiver, a bridge across the divide of circumstance.
The volunteers, ranging from seasoned participants to first-timers, carried the holiday spirit into every corner of the county. With Christmas music playing in their cars and hearts full of hope, they made stops at street corners, parks, and encampments, ensuring no one was overlooked.
Continuing the Mission
Though the holidays amplify the importance of giving, the need for support continues year-round. The CarrieOn Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to honor the legacy of Carrie Foley by serving those who are often forgotten.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this is your opportunity. Every contribution helps fund initiatives like this, and every act of kindness has the power to transform lives. As one volunteer put it, “The joy I feel from doing this simple act of kindness stays with me long after the day is done.”
To join the cause, donate, or learn more about upcoming opportunities to give, visit carrieon.org. Together, we can continue to spread care, compassion, and community to those who need it most.
