Why choose Christmas Backpacks?
There are many ministry options at Christmas – why choose SBCV Christmas Backpacks?
These gifts are given to children in need, but more than just a backpack is offered. The backpacks help create community outreach events to proclaim the Good News of Christ at Christmas. In supporting this work, you can be sure that your generosity helps prepare the soil to share Jesus with these families.
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
How to Pack a Backpack
1. Buy a Backpack
You or your church can order backpacks in bulk (cases of 24) by clicking here*. If you choose to buy backpacks individually, make sure they are full size (16.5 in. or larger) and have zippers.
*The link to purchase backpacks was updated on August 31 due to a web address change on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Choose a Backpack Color
Color should be based on the age/gender of the child you’re buying for:
- Red – Elementary School Boy
- Black/Gray – Middle School Boy
- Green – Elementary School Girl
- Blue – Middle School Girl
If you want to use a different color backpack, just attach a ribbon/string in the corresponding color for the appropriate age/gender.
3. Fill the Backpack
To ensure that children receive backpacks with equitable items, please maintain the following guidelines. All items need to be new and must fit in the zipped backpack.
- 1 school supply pouch filled with sharpened #2 pencils, a small sharpener, a pack of colored pencils, ink pens, and a pack of crayons
- 1 personal journal or coloring book (whichever is age appropriate)
- 1 refillable water bottle (unfilled)
- 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 quart-size Ziploc bag with candy treats (ex., Skittles, Smarties, lollipops (anything non-chocolate))
- 1 set of winter gloves and hat
- 1 pack of socks
- 1 small non-electronic toy or stuffed animal (no toy guns or knives)
- 1 age-appropriate Bible or spiritual book (recommended books for 8–14-year-olds)
4. Pray Over the Backpack
Pray for God to deliver the backpack into the hands of the child who needs this specific backpack. Ask the Lord to use this backpack to draw the child and his/her family to Himself (Matthew 9).
5. Drop Off the Backpack
Drop off to a regional collection site (listed below) by Wednesday, November 2, or bring them to Annual Homecoming at First Baptist Church of Roanoke on Sunday, November 13 or Monday, November 14.
Collection Sites
Please drop off backpacks by Wednesday, November 2. Contact your nearest location for office hours and any other drop-off information.
Be sure to scan the QR code (or visit this link) to let us know the name of your church, how many backpacks you delivered, and to which drop-off location.
You may also bring backpacks to Annual Homecoming at First Baptist Church, Roanoke on Sunday, November 13 or Monday, November 14.
Southeast Region
Seaford Baptist Church
1311 Seaford Rd
Seaford, VA 23696
757-898-5384
Pinecrest Baptist Church
209 Felton Rd
Portsmouth, VA 23701
757-488-2191
(Drop-off only available through October 20; Mon.-Thurs., 9 AM-2 PM)
North Region
Ramoth Baptist Church
478 Ramoth Church Rd
Stafford, VA 22554
540-659-4588
Open Door Baptist Church
754 Germanna Hwy
Culpeper, VA 22701
540-825-1549
Pillar Church of Woodlawn
9001 Richmond Hwy
Alexandria, VA 22309
919-744-8500
Central Region
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
3110 Greenwood Ave
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
804-526-0816
(Drop-off available Mon.-Thurs., 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4 PM)
SBCV Glen Allen Ministry Support Center
4956 Dominion Blvd
Glen Allen, VA 23060
804-270-1848
Central-West and Southside Region
North Main Baptist Church
2818 N Main St
Danville, VA 24540
434-836-4892
Hyland Heights Baptist Church
11452 Wards Rd
Rustburg, VA 24588
434-821-6906
Valley Region
Wayne Hills Baptist Church
877 Ladd Rd
Waynesboro, VA 22980
540-943-2237
Christiansburg Baptist Church
2895 Roanoke St
Christiansburg, VA 24073
540-394-3200
Southwest Region
North Bristol Baptist Church
146 Church St
Bristol, VA 24201
276-466-2811
Rosedale Baptist Church
26396 Lee Hwy
Abingdon, VA 24211
276-628-7004
Sky View Missionary Baptist Church
129 Skyview Dr
Fancy Gap, VA 24328
276-728-2211
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the backpacks still going to Appalachia?
Yes, most of the backpacks are used in the Appalachian region of Virginia through local SBCV churches serving impoverished communities. Additionally, SBCV church plants may apply to receive backpacks for ministry use.
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.