It’s that time of year again! Last year, we had fantastic support and were able to distribute about 300 backpacks to those served at HOPE Missions, The LOT Project, Asher House, and South Main Chapel & Mercy Center.

Thanks to great community support, the backpacks we purchased 12 cases to make 288 backpacks. They may not be Patagonia quality, but we still see some from time to time. Please let me know if you want to sponsor a case!

Shopping Experience

Think Jocket Lot in one space. Instead of pre-packing backpacks, we have shoppers escort guests to each station to pick up items they would like to put in their backpack. The first station would provide the backpack and punch card. Then, the guests can “shop” the tables and pick items they want from the various stations set up around the area. We’re thinking there could be as many as 15 stations based on last year’s experience.

Save the Date — Monday, Dec 23rd, 9:30am – Noon

First Presbyterian Church agreed to let us use their Family Life Center (basketball court-size) facility for the backpack packing event on Monday, December 23rd. The plan is to set up at 9:30 a.m. and allow our friends to fill their backpacks until about 11:30.

Items for the Backpacks

Now that the backpacks are on hand, we need to come up with a list of items to go into them! Here’s a list of items based on those we provided last year. Please coordinate with us before you purchase any of these items. We’ll need about 300 of each item to fill all of the backpacks. As always, we greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions.

  1. baby powder
  2. blankets: 300 by West Point Home
  3. local bus tickets (4 each)
  4. chapstick
  5. deodorant
  6. duct tape
  7. energy bars
  8. first aid kits
  9. flashlights (with batteries or rechargeable (USB-C))
  10. gloves
  11. Hats
  12. hot hands, hand warmers
  13. hygiene kits
  14. ibuprofen (individual 2-packs)
  15. lozenges
  16. notebooks with a pen
  17. ponchos
  18. soap (bars)
  19. socks (long, winter weight)
  20. toboggan, beanie, stocking caps
  21. toothpaste, full-size
  22. water bottles
  23. zip ties
  24. ziplock bags (gallon)

2024 sponsors, so far: 9 of 12 cases sponsored

Sponsors needed! We place the bulk order from HOPE Missions to save $$ and ensure the backpacks are consistent. The cost per case of 24 is $354. Here’s our current list of sponsors:

  • 1 case: HOPE Missions
  • 1 case: St John’s UMC
  • 1 case: Rejuvenate Church
  • 1 case: Bigger Brains
  • 1 case: United Way of Anderson County
  • 1 case: Anonymous Donor
  • 2 cases: NewSpring Church
  • 1 case: The LOT Project

Please let me know if you can sponsor a case or two this year. Email, text, call, or let me know! Thanks in advance!!