ABOUT THE INITIATIVE:
You are not alone. It’s the central message of Christmas. God didn’t leave us alone in the poverty of our sin, but generously gave Jesus as an unmerited gift born of love. The Christmas season opens doors for Christians to tell this incredible story. Christmas backpacks provides one way that you, your family, small group and church can tell that story – the Good News – that God, Emmanuel, came to us.
2019 Goal: 4,000 Backpacks
Here’s how:
1. Purchase a new, full-sized backpack that zips.
Draw-string and half-sized backpacks are not best. Look for back to school sales!
2. Fill the pack with new items that fit inside the zipped backpack.
Include at least one item from each of these categories:
- Toys | At least one “Wow!” item. | Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, yo-yos, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, Slinky®, Frisbee®, card games, etc. Remember to include extra batteries for electronic items.
- Personal Items | Water bottle, lip balm, hairbrush, hair accessories, watch, compact mirror, etc.
- Candy or Snacks | Pop-top items, hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum. Do not include chocolate or anything with peanuts or peanut butter. Be sure to double bag all candy.
- Clothing | Winter clothing – hats, gloves, scarves, etc. – is always a good idea. Consider buying a size larger.
- Spiritual | Bible and age-appropriate books for children and teenagers.
3. Be sure items are age and contextually appropriate
Do not include: toys resembling weapons, items wrapped or taped to the bag, used items, homemade foods, glassware, melting candy (ex. Chocolate), battery operated items without extra batteries.
4. Identify the gender and age of the packed backpack
Tie two pieces of ribbon/yarn to the zipper of the backpack to identify the contents by gender and age.
AGE:
- 2-3 | purple
- 4-7 | yellow
- 8-10 | green
- 11-15 | red
GENDER:
- BOYS | blue
- GIRLS | pink
5. Pray for the child who will receive your backpack.
A gospel track will be placed in each backpack prior to distribution – pray it takes root in the child’s heart.
INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE TO PRINT
Print the instructions to share with your church so they know what items to fill the backpacks with.
Regional Collection Sites:
Backpacks can be dropped off, no later than November 4th, at any of the regional collection sites below. Church office hours are posted. Click the link for the church address and phone number.
Backpacks can also be brought to Annual Homecoming for collection.
Southeast
Pinecrest Baptist Church, Portsmouth
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Newport News
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
North
Open Door Baptist Church, Culpepper
Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Ramoth Baptist Church, Stafford
Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Manassas
Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Friday, 8:30am – 12:30pm
Valley
Christiansburg Baptist Church, Christiansburg
There is a POD at the back of the church for all drop-offs.
See the pastor for the lock code.
Southwest
Rosedale Baptist Church, Abingdon
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:00pm
North Bristol Baptist Church, Bristol
9:00am – 5:30pm, Monday – Friday
Central
SBC of Virginia
4956 Dominion Blvd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Monday – Thursday from 8am to 4pm.
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Colonial Heights
Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
First Baptist Church, Charlottesville*
Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 5pm.
Friday, 8:30am – 12:30pm.
*Requests for backpacks to be bundled in large plastic bags at drop-off.
Central-West and Southside
North Main Baptist Church, Danville
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Hyland Heights Baptist Church, Lynchburg
Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 2:00pm
2019 Annual Homecoming
November 10 – 12 at First Baptist Church
(Roanoke)
Volunteers Needed!
Each year as backpacks are collected, volunteers verify, sort, and package them for delivery in Appalachia to international church plants. Your family, friends, and church members are invited to participate in this volunteer opportunity on Saturday, November 9th at Christiansburg Baptist Church.
Free Promotional Resources:
Please report your church’s participation in this project below.
If you have additional questions, please call the SBC of Virginia office at (804) 270-1848.
