CHRISTMAS BACKPACKS

Christmas Backpacks

Spreading Christmas Joy Each Year to Those Less Fortunate 

Mississippi River Ministry

WHAT CHRISTMAS BACKPACKS ARE ALL ABOUT


CHILD-FOCUSED: Centers on the child’s age and gender.

CHRIST-CENTERED: The Christmas Story and Bible are inside, and the Gospel is shared before backpacks are given out.

CHURCH-CONNECTED: Local churches are invited to help with distribution of Christmas Backpacks.


Thousands of backpacks are provided each Christmas from the Alabama Women’s Missionary Organization, Virginia Conservative Baptist Convention and churches from the partnership states for children and teens in need. The backpacks are filled with a variety of items. See below

Download 2024 Christmas Backpack Application
Mississippi River Ministry

HOW TO PACK A CHRISTMAS BACKPACK 

Download List

  1.Start with a NEW zippered backpack - No used items please

  2. Have a color-coded band attached to the top.

      PLEASE NOTE:

      Pre-printed, color-coded bands can be requested from Mississippi River Ministry for labeling backpacks.

         marshallingle@bellsouth.net


        AGE GUIDE FOR EACH GENDER:


Ages 2-3

Ages 4-7

Ages 8-10

Ages 11-14

Ages 15-17


   

   3. Pray specifically for the child receiving your backpack.

   4. Please put a copy of The Christmas Story in the backpack.


GIFT SUGGESTIONS

       

1.  HYGIENE ITEMS:(At least 2 items)Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (boxed and in plastic bag), shampoo (securely sealed in a plastic bag), hairbrush, comb, washcloth, ponytail holders, hair clips, etc.


2.  TOYS: (At least 1 item) Small cars, dolls, stuffed animals, small music instruments, yo-yos, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, toys that light up or make noise ( include extra batteries), Slinky, Frisbee, card games such as Old Maid, Go fish, UNO, etc.


3.  OTHER: At least 2 items) Children's bible or Teen Bible, socks, sunglasses, toy jewelry, watches flashlights (with extra batteries), age-appropriate Christian books, etc.


4.  FOOD: (At least 2 items)  Use individual food items (cans need to be pop-top for easy opening) (NO plastic containers).  Do Not Include any items containing nuts.  Suggested items include breakfast bars, crackers (cheese), small individual meats, , soups, fruits, Pop Tarts are a favorite, hard candy ( no chocolate), lollipops, mints, gum, etc.


5.  CLOTHING: (At least 2 items)  T-shirts, underwear, socks, warm hat, gloves, scarf, ball cap, fleece pullover, warm outerwear.


6.  SCHOOL SUPPLIES: School supplies are welcome, but not all sites need school supplies.  If you are partnering with a site please check with them regarding school supplies and what type of school supplies are needed.  Please use age-appropriate school supplies.


7.  IDEAS FOR OLDER CHILDREN:

GIRLS : lip gloss, costume jewelry, fashion scarves, friendship bracelets, craft kits, journals, fun socks and slippers, doodle books, etc.
BOYS: LEGOS, card games, hand-held electronic games, basketball, football, air pump, Nerf football.                                                 

                                                       

Please do not include any food items that are perishable or can be easily crushed or opened while in transit.             
         Please do not include any knives.                                                               

 

PLEASE MAKE SURE BACKPACK IS FULL


Any questions call Marshall 318-315-0743 or Janell 318-315-0744

The Numbers Don’t Lie
MRM gave away 7,200 backpacks in 2016 with 306 Professions of Faith reported.
MRM gave away 9,560 backpacks in 2017 with 358 Professions of Faith reported.
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