Growing up in Bellevue, Nathan Chou always knew he was privileged. From an early age, he said he realized he could pursue his dreams and aspirations.

But as the Newport High School senior got involved in Sleepless in Seattle and assisting homeless people, he realized just how lucky he was.

“Though our backgrounds are different, we all have the same dreams. They just have things inhibiting them. They’re at a disadvantage. But sometimes all they need is a little push to get back on track, and I just want to be that for them,” he said. “I think there’s a perception that’s related to the American Dream: like, because they’re homeless, they didn’t try hard enough.”

Chou is one of approximately 360 volunteers who will spread out across King county on Nov. 19 to distribute sleeping bags, mats and winter care packages to homeless people as part of Sleepless in Seattle’s annual Big Give event.

Around 60 people will gather at Congregations for the Homeless in Bellevue and head out to various parks and other locations where homeless people might be located. It’s estimated that they will distribute 4,000 winter care packages that day.

The event started in 2014 to distribute goods, brainstorm ideas to assist the homeless and also combat misconceptions about people living on the streets. Talking and interacting with homeless people has been one of the most important aspects of the experience, Chou said.

“[One of the best parts] has been just communicating with them. I’ve found the constant thing is that they all have an outlook on life that surprises me,” he said. “Some of them are extremely negative about it … But there’s some other people who are really thankful for everything. One man offered for us to sit down and share some of the food we had just given him.”

Now, Chou keeps his car stocked with granola bars, extra blankets and sleeping bags year-round for those moments when he spots someone in need. He hopes that the simple methods of Sleepless in Seattle will spread to everyday citizens.

“Sometimes it’s just about simple stuff like saying ‘hi’ — acknowledging them and giving encouragement. You don’t need to drastically change your lifestyle to it,” he said.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit sleeplessinseattle.org. Volunteer registration began Oct. 10 and organizers suggested signing up as quickly as possible as there’s usually a waiting list to participate.

Bothell-Kenmore Reporter staff writer Catherine Krummey contributed to this report.