Blessing bags are simple care packages filled with everyday essentials, and they sit at the heart of everything Gifted Angels does. Each one is a small, practical way to tell someone facing homelessness or hardship that they are seen and cared for.
In a world that often moves too fast, it’s easy to overlook those struggling to meet their most basic needs. That’s where Gifted Angels steps in: a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back, fostering community, and spreading compassion through monthly outreach efforts.
In This Article
A Mission Rooted in Love and Giving
Founded in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2018 by Leanne Kenny, Gifted Angels was created with a deep sense of purpose: to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, hardship, and food insecurity. Throughout the year, a team of dedicated volunteers gathers to assemble and distribute blessing bags filled with essential toiletries, hygiene products, snacks, and warm clothing.
These efforts extend to vulnerable animals as well. We proudly partner with no-kill animal shelters, providing donations of pet food, water, and supplies to ensure our furry friends receive the care they deserve.
Reaching Those in Need Across Three Cities
Our outreach takes place in areas where homelessness and poverty are prevalent, ensuring our resources go directly to those who need them most:
- Venice Beach & West Los Angeles, California
- Downtown Vancouver & Marine Area, British Columbia
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
As we grow, Gifted Angels is actively working on expanding to more cities to bring warmth, comfort, and support to even more communities in need.
More Than Just a Handout: A Message of Hope
At Gifted Angels, we believe that giving isn’t just about donating necessities, it’s about restoring dignity, humanity, and hope. Many individuals we serve are battling mental health struggles, displacement, or economic hardship. Our goal is to remind them that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
This mission is deeply personal for our founder, Leanne Kenny, whose life experiences shaped her passion for helping others. Having grown up in an immigrant family with limited resources, Leanne knows firsthand what it means to struggle and go without. After witnessing her father battle schizophrenia and homelessness, she made it her purpose to give back to those who feel forgotten because even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s world.
What Goes Into a Blessing Bag?
Every blessing bag is packed by volunteers with items that make the hardest days a little easier. A typical bag includes:
- Toiletries and hygiene products such as soap, toothbrushes and deodorant
- Hand wipes and other on-the-go hygiene items
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- Socks, gloves and other warm essentials
- A note of encouragement, because a kind word matters too
How to Make Your Own Blessing Bags
You don’t need to wait for an outreach day to make a difference. Here’s how to put together blessing bags with your family, friends or coworkers:
- Choose a sturdy, resealable bag or small backpack.
- Fill it with travel-size hygiene items, a pair of new socks, snacks and water.
- Add a handwritten note to remind the person receiving it that they are not alone.
- Keep a few in your car so you are ready when you meet someone in need.
- Prefer to give through us? Shop our Amazon Charity Wishlist and our volunteers will pack the items into blessing bags.
How You Can Help
Want to be a part of something bigger? Here’s how you can support Gifted Angels and make a real difference:
✔ Donate – 100% of monetary contributions go directly toward purchasing supplies, food, and essentials for those in need. You can also donate through our Amazon Charity Wishlist for direct impact.
✔ Volunteer – Join us at an upcoming outreach event to help assemble and distribute blessing bags in your community. Sign up here and we will let you know when the next one is scheduled.
✔ Spread the Word – Follow us on social media and share our mission to help us reach more people in need.
At Gifted Angels, we believe that giving is a ripple effect, one small act of kindness can spark change beyond measure. Together, we can uplift lives, spread love, and create a world where no one is left behind.
Join us in making a difference because everyone deserves to feel cared for.
