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 (17 inch) and have zippers.
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 collection site (list coming soon) by Friday, November 3, or bring them to Annual Homecoming at The Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights on Sunday, November 12 or Monday, November 13.
Drop-Off Locations
Central Region
SBCV Ministry Support Center
4956 Dominion Blvd, Glen Allen
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
3110 Greenwood Ave, Colonial Heights
Annual Homecoming
November 12-14
The Heights Baptist Church
17201 Route 1, South Chesterfield
Southeast Region
Seaford Baptist Church
1311 Seaford Rd, Seaford
Valley Region
Green Ridge Baptist Church
5521 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke
Wayne Hills Baptist Church
877 Ladd Rd, Waynesboro
Southwest Region
North Bristol Baptist Church
146 Church Street, Bristol
Central-West &
Southside Region
Hyland Heights Baptist Church
11452 Wards Rd N, Rustburg
North Main Baptist Church
2818 N Main Street, Danville
North Region
Ramoth Baptist Church
478 Ramoth Church Rd, Stafford
Open Door Baptist Church
754 Germanna Hwy, Culpeper
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.