My name is Zack Gooding and I'm the founder of Guiltless Giving. I started with an idea on how to build a better mousetrap and found a way to help homeless people in a creative, innovative way. I watched my mom give a homeless man a couple of dollars, then we went to the grocery store and saw the same man buying liqueur and cigarettes with my mom's hard earned money. My mom said she would only give food to the homeless from then on out. But I would not let the experience go without finding a solution.
A few days later we were coming down another freeway off ramp and saw another homeless person standing at the end of the ramp. His clothes were torn and dirty. I asked my mom if she was going to give him money. She then asked me, "Zack, what would you do to help him if we didn't give money?" I started to rattle off some things and before you know it, came up with the Helping HandBag. We were both so excited about the possibilities that we went to our local .99 Cent Store that night to put our first Helping HandBags together.
Each Helping Handbag contains a pair of gloves for warmth, cheese crackers for a hungry tummy, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, deodorant, a comb, adhesive bandages, and a reference card to facilities in the local area which help the homeless.
Zack's website, guiltlessgiving.com, gives the history, support, and ability to purchase these Helping Handbags for distribution. Included on the site are beautiful pictures reminding us of those that are in need. There is even a picture of Zack, a smart, funny, and innovative young man, and a blog in his own words. With the help of friends and family, Zack' s idea has taken off. If you would like to help and for more information on the Helping Handbag, please visit Zack's web site. The answer to guiltless giving has been found through the resourcefulness of an eight year old boy.
