Reach Appalachia with Gospel Backpacks!

Hurricanes and flooding have caused devastation in Appalachia in Virginia. Help SBCV churches make a Gospel impact through backpacks.
Churches, families, and small groups are invited to prepare ministry backpacks in preparation for outreach in Appalachia. Backpacks will be collected from across the state and distributed to thousands of children through SBC of Virginia churches in the Southwest Region.
 

Testimonies from Receiving Ministries

“Two families came to faith in Jesus as a result of the generosity and gospel opportunity of our backpack outreach.” – Ayman L. – SBCV International Leader, Northern Virginia

“Every school aged child in our town was able to receive a backpack and hear that Jesus loves them. Thank you.” – Billy G. -SBCV Church Planter, Saltville

“Not only did we get to help underprivileged kids (I’m sure that the backpack is all some will get for Christmas) but more importantly we got to share Jesus with others who may not have ever heard about his love.” – Gary O. – SBCV Pastor, Haysi

Make a major Gospel impact in the lives of children and families across Virginia.

Register today
How to Pack a Backpack | SBCV
How to Pack a Backpack | SBCV

Be Involved!

1. Register your church’s participation and request packing labels.

Every church is asked to register your participation. This is an essential step in helping SBCV distribute backpacks effectively.

2. Buy a Backpack

You can purchase backpacks on your own or through the link below. Please be sure they are full size, (17 inch) and have zippers. We recommend 17″ Trailmaker Classic Backpacks from BagsInBulk.com.

3. Add a Label

Each backpack must have a label to signify if it is for a boy or girl, and an elementary or middle school-age child. Labels/tags will be sent to you when we receive your commitment.

4. Fill the Backpack

To ensure that children receive backpacks with equitable items, please keep to the guidelines on the Backpack Supply List.

5. Pray over the Backpack

Pray for God to deliver the backpacks into the hands of many who have not yet heard of Jesus. Pray for God to use each item to remind them of His love and care. And pray for each child and his/her family to call on Him and be saved. (Romans 10:13)

6. Drop off the Backpack

Drop your backpacks off at a location near you or bring them to First Baptist Church, Roanoke, at Annual Homecoming on November 9-10.

Let us know you plan to be involved!

We will participate

Backpack Supply List

Required Items:
  • 1 school supply pouch filled with sharpened #2 pencils, a small sharpener, a pack of colored pencils, ink pens, and a pack of crayons.
    Kits are available at Wow Supplies.
  • 1 refillable water bottle – to save space, fill the bottle with non-chocolate candy!
  • 1 quart-size Ziploc bag with candy treats (ex., Skittles, Smarties, lollipops or anything non-chocolate)
  • 1 gallon-size Ziploc bag with personal items (ex., toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, travel-sized soap, shampoo)
  • 1 gallon-size Ziploc bag with single-serve food items (ex., cheese crackers, squeeze applesauce, granola bars, animal crackers)
  • 1 set of winter gloves and hat
  • 1 pack of socks
  • Add a personal note or card from you and your family (add a photo to make it more personal)

Churches receiving backpacks will include their contact information, a gospel tract, and a Bible in each backpack.

Optional Items:
  • 1 small non-electronic toy (no toy guns or knives)
  • Journal, coloring book, activity book (age-appropriate)
    The Good Book Company has a range of excellent resources!
  • Kid-themed bandages/ band aids
  • Sunglasses
  • Small stuffed animal
  • Baseball cap
  • Deflated sports ball and pump

Download Supply List → 

Drop-off Locations (between October 15-31)

Central Region
SBC of Virginia, 4956 Dominion Boulevard, Glen Allen
(804) 270-1441

Central-west & southside Region
Living Word Baptist Church, 4130 Waterlick Road, Forest
(434) 525-7736

North Main Baptist Church, 2818 N. Main Street, Danville
(434) 836-4892

North Region
Open Door Baptist Church, 754 Germanna Highway, Culpepper
(540) 825-1549

Ramoth Baptist Church, 478 Ramoth Church Road, Stafford
(540) 659-4588

Southeast Region
Seaford Baptist Church, 1311 Seaford Road, Seaford
(757) 898-5384

Pinecrest Baptist Church, 209 Felton Road, Portsmouth
(757) 488-2191

Southwest Region
North Bristol Baptist Church, 146 Church Street, Bristol
(276) 791-7452

Sky View Missionary Baptist Church, 129 Skyview Drive, Fancy Gap
(276) 728-2211-4892

Valley Region
North Roanoke Baptist Church, 6402 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke
(540) 563-5113

Wayne Hills Baptist Church, 877 Ladd Road, Waynesboro
(540) 943-2237

Annual Homecoming
November 9 (between 5:00-7:00 PM)
November 10 (between 8:00 AM – 3:00PM

First Baptist Church, 321 Marshall Avenue, SW. Roanoke

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the backpack content specific?

This is a best practice gained from learned experience. Having a general guideline for contents helps ensure that children receive equitable gifts.

Are there promo resources available?

There are a few options available for you. Please click the link below to view. Right click on the image to save to your computer. 

Questions? Contact our team.

Brad Russell

Missions Strategist

Contact Brad

Mona Hewitt

Administrative Assistant for Ministry Support

Contact Mona