Blessing Bags for N.A.C. has only been around for five years, already making a big difference in the Nacogdoches and Angelina County communities. They help the homeless, veterans without a place to call home, and those who are struggling by providing them with toiletries, meals and other necessities. Blessing Bags is committed to developing methods to fight against homelessness and poverty; to be the driving force and advocate for keeping homeless awareness issues before the community leaders. Seen as a leader in the community, having field experience with homeless encampments, Blessing Bags is called on by other non-profits agencies and individuals to provide support for at-risk persons with physical necessities for survival.
Inspired to Act
Because Stephanie Hess’s family–owner and CEO of Blessing Bag for N.A.C.–and they were once homeless in Arkansas, they were having to live everyday not knowing if they were going to have any food or a place to sleep for months.
Stephanie explained, “One day God sent us the help we needed. We started going to a church where we found hope again. My husband was introduced to someone who actually changed our lives forever by giving him a job with a company that he is with to this day.”
This allowed them to get an apartment and slowly get back on their feet. Through her husband’s job they were asked if they wanted to move to Texas. Her and her family prayed hard and once they were sure that’s what God wanted for them, they accepted the offer to move. After moving and being in Nacogdoches, Texas for a few months, Stephanie wanted to give back to the community and help those who are in the same kind of situation that she experienced in Arkansas, so she started Blessing Bags for N.A.C. Stephanie wanted to help others in Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties who are homeless and struggling with toiletry products, food, summer/winter essentials and with resources they may need.
A Heart for the Community
Every event that Blessing Bags for N.A.C. has, they help over 200 people with necessities and meals for the homeless. Blessing Bags truly cares about their community and love to help those in need. On Christmas of 2023 in Nacogdoches at the HOPE Center, they helped over 350 individuals and families with Christmas presents and a hot Christmas meal.
“What a joy it brought to all of us to be able to help the community,” Stephanie added. She truly has a giving and caring heart, and so do the others who work for Blessing Bags.
Blessing Bags Vision for the Future
Stephanie envisions a future for Blessing Bags to have a physical building where they can offer all that they have; products, help with getting a job, and so much more. By providing a physical address to receive what they need so those struggling can get back on their feet, all of their work and more will become both easier and possible. Their physical location would also serve as somewhat of a day center to allow them to get out of the heat or cold, to wash clothes, take showers and enjoy a warm meal.
Stephanie, and her family, know the struggles of being homeless. She knows the anxiety, the instability, and the hardship of it all.
Stephanie’s heart reaches out to those in the same kind of situation she and her family once was in, “I know the struggles and I want to be able to get people the help with what they may need and what they deserve.”
Thanksgiving 2024
Blessing Bags for N.A.C. has a Thanksgiving Blessings Community Meal at the HOPE Center in Nacogdoches on November 23rd at 12 p.m. They will be offering a hot Thanksgiving meal, toiletries, and other necessities. They are desperately needing donations for this upcoming Thanksgiving meal. Turkey’s, Dressing or Boxed Stuffing, Boxed Potatoes, Rolls, Gravy, Green Beans, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato Pies, or any other food item you can bring. They also accept monetary donations to help buy what is needed. If you would like to donate anything Stephanie and everyone at Blessing Bags would greatly appreciate it. Nacogdoches residents can drop off their donations at Blue Eyed Cocos – 412 E Main from 10-6, Tuesday – Saturday. If Lufkin residents would like to donate please contact Stephanie Hess at her office number, 936-875 8706 or her cell at 501-504-3077. If Stephanie is not available, call Gabriel Hernandez at 936-240-8641.
