The Start

Bags of Love started in 2010 as a small holiday tradition within the Guma family. Every December, we gathered to assemble bags with food, hygiene products, and essential items for people experiencing homelessness in Miami. What began as a simple family act of kindness has grown into a cherished annual tradition!

This year’s Bags of Love gathering took place on Saturday, December 6th, and it was our most impactful year yet!

A Community Effort from Start to Finish

Friends and family gathered at our home, each bringing a specific item they had signed up to contribute. Everything from toothbrushes and toothpaste to canned soup, Vienna sausages, chips, cereal, socks, granola bars, pastries, canned pasta, tuna crackers, disposable utensils, and more. We love that each person contributes thoughtfully and plays an active role in assembling the bags, making the experience deeply personal and meaningful.

We began the afternoon by organizing all donated items into stations and setting up an assembly line. Before we started, we paused for a prayer, giving thanks for everyone who took the time and effort to be there, and lifting up those who would eventually receive the bags.

Then the music came on, Christmas tunes filled the house, and the packing began!

Our Biggest Year Yet

Together, we assembled over 60 Bags of Love, the most we’ve ever made since starting this tradition! Each bag was packed with care, intention, and love. At the end of the event, volunteers took several bags with them to keep in their cars, allowing them to personally hand them out to people in need throughout the holiday season. 

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, donated items, helped assemble bags, and carried this mission forward. Seeing this tradition grow year after year reminds us why we do what we do. We look forward to continuing Bags of Love next year and hope to grow the event even more. Big thank you to our participants for helping us share comfort, solace, and relief, one bag at a time. 💙