The Wild Wonderful Good Sams Camping Club of Parkersburg, West Virginia, has once again shown its generous spirit through a thoughtful community service project. The local chapter of the West Virginia Good Sams Club recently collected more than 25 items for “blessing bags” to donate to House To Home, a nonprofit helping individuals experiencing homelessness in the Parkersburg area.
Blessing bags are small kits filled with everyday essentials that provide immediate relief and comfort to those in need. These often include hygiene items, non-perishable snacks, and small personal care products—simple things that can make a big difference to someone going through tough times.
The Wild Wonderful Good Sams regularly meets for monthly camping trips, but their mission goes far beyond recreation. Service and kindness are at the heart of their activities. Club members say giving back to their local community has always been one of their top priorities.
Longtime members Don and Kathy Wise, who have been part of the group for over 25 years, helped organize the recent donation drive. The couple has long believed in the power of small gestures to bring hope to people struggling with housing and financial instability.
“We’ve been a part of this chapter for a long time, and every year our group looks for ways to support the community,” said Kathy Wise. “This project touched a lot of hearts.”
The items collected were carefully selected to serve real needs. Members donated travel-size toiletries, socks, snack bars, bottled water, hand warmers, toothbrushes, and more. Once packed, the blessing bags were delivered to House To Home, which distributes them directly to those who need them most in the Parkersburg area.
House To Home is a local organization dedicated to helping individuals transition out of homelessness by offering resources, support services, and referrals. Donations like these go a long way in helping them serve people in immediate crisis.
According to club organizers, the blessing bag initiative is just one of many ways the Wild Wonderful Good Sams aim to support West Virginia communities. “It’s not just about camping and travel,” said one member. “It’s about being good neighbors.”
The group will gather again for their Spring Rally from May 14-18 at the Boyer Station Campground in Arborvale. These rallies are a time for fun, connection, and continued service—often featuring themed events, meals, and even more community outreach.
As the club continues its monthly gatherings and special events throughout the year, their commitment to giving back remains steady. Whether it’s a food drive, blessing bag donation, or simply lending a helping hand, the Wild Wonderful Good Sams are proving that camping and caring go hand in hand in West Virginia.
