A California teenager who once made bags with her great-grandmother now runs a nonprofit that has distributed more than 5,000 handmade care bags to women experiencing homelessness.Khloe Thompson started the project after encountering a woman living on the street while walking to school with her mother. At the time, Thompson was 9 and wanted to understand why people in her community were living without homes.She later decided to use the sewing skills she had developed with her great-grandmother to make something useful for women in need.
From homemade bags to a nonprofit
Thompson and her great-grandmother began making shoulder and tote bags together several days a week. Thompson suggested filling the bags with basic items and giving them to women living in tents and shelters.Her great-grandmother agreed to pay for the supplies needed for the first batch. After the initial distributions, the family looked for ways to continue the project.In 2015, Thompson founded “Khloe Kares” as a nonprofit organisationThe organisation’s main project is the Kare Bag, a handmade tote containing everyday personal-care supplies. According to Khloe Kares, more than 5,000 of the bags have been distributed to women experiencing homelessness.The bags include necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, lotion, feminine hygiene products, socks and underwear. Some also contain a small surprise gift.
Community groups help expand the effort
Khloe Kares has relied on partnerships to increase the number of people it can reach. Local businesses, churches and nonprofit organisations have helped collect supplies and organise distribution events.During Kare Bag events, partner groups gather the products needed to fill the bags, while Khloe Kares provides the handmade totes and helps with distribution.The organisation says its goal is not only to provide immediate necessities but also to raise awareness about homelessness and support women as they work towards more stable housing.Thompson’s work has since moved beyond the care bags. She has also taken part in projects aimed at supporting children and young people, including efforts in Ghana involving water pumps and bathroom facilities at schools.She has also worked with her mother on workshops for young people covering topics such as business planning, public speaking, confidence and goal-setting.
Recognition
In 2019, she helped launch #GivingTuesdayKids in partnership with the global GivingTuesday movement. The initiative encouraged young people to organise volunteer projects and acts of service based on causes they cared about.Her work has also received recognition. Thompson was among the recipients of the 2019 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, which recognise people for community service.The award recognised her work with Khloe Kares and other youth-focused initiatives. Points of Light President and CEO Natalye Paquin said Thompson represented a generation of young people taking an active role in shaping their communities.Thompson has continued to emphasise that young people do not have to wait until they are older to contribute.
