Through a partnership between the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and Alabama WMU, Alabama Baptists began providing Christmas Backpacks in 2015 and have filled almost 120,000 backpacks for children primarily in the Mississippi River Delta.
Since 2022, we have also provided Christmas Backpacks through the ministry of our Alabama Baptist Church Planters in underserved areas of our state. Because of those backpacks, thousands have heard the Gospel and made professions of faith. God is using Christmas Backpacks to grow His Kingdom!
Partnership Ministries
How can you be involved?
- Prayerfully decide how many backpacks you will provide.
- Consider whether your church or association would like to partner with a specific site (and provide and help give out the completed backpacks) or provide filled backpacks to one of the statewide Collection Points at the end of October. For partnership information, contact Pat Ingram at pingram@alsbom.org or 334-613-2334.
- Order bands and the Christmas Story (provided at no cost through gifts to the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering) for each backpack.
- Prepare the backpacks and pray for each child and family that will receive them.
How to Pack a Backpack
1. Choose a gender and age, and order (at no cost) the appropriate color-coded band(s) to attach to the backpack(s). Every backpack must have one of these bands attached.
2. Start with a new, zippered backpack.
3. Fill with new gifts (see suggestions below) based on the age/gender you chose.
4. Place a copy of The Christmas Story in the backpack (order at no cost).
5. Attach the color-coded age/gender band to the top loop of the backpack.
6. Pray for the child who will receive the backpack.
7. Drop off the backpack at a designated collection site. Locate the nearest collection site by clicking the button above.
Gift Suggestions
TOYS
Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, small musical 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, etc.
ART SUPPLIES:
Crayons, colored pencils, markers, stamps and ink pads, craft paper, construction paper, coloring and picture books, stickers, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, boxed bar soap (in a plastic bag), hair brush, comb, wash cloth, ponytail holders, hair clips, etc.
OTHER:
Children’s or Teen Bible, hard candy (no chocolate, double bag all candy), mints, age-appropriate Christian books, pop-top cans of food, t-shirt, socks, gloves, hat, etc.
FOR OLDER CHILDREN
(11-17 YEARS):
Girls: Lip gloss, costume jewelry, scarves, friendship bracelets, craft kits, journals, fun socks and slippers, doodle books, etc.
Boys: LEGOS®, card games, hand-held electronic games, basketball, soccer ball, NERF™ football
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE:
Items that can be easily crushed or broken, perishable food, food containing nuts, guns, or knives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my first step to participate in Christmas Backpacks?
Review the information on this website for the guidelines and basic information.
How will I get ‘The Christmas Story,’ and the backpack age level/gender identification band?
Order bands and Christmas Stories using the Order Form. The items will be mailed to you.
Can I put a Bible in the backpack?
Yes! A Bible that is easy for a child to read is best.
Can I put food in the backpack?
Yes! Pop-top cans, snack bars, and other individually packaged items are fine. You can also provide plastic forks and spoons to use with the food items. Due to possible allergies, please do not include items with nuts.
Are gently used backpacks and other items okay?
No, the backpacks and items in them must be new and unused.
Can I bring clothing, coats and other items to the collection sites?
The only items that can be accepted at the collection sites are the backpacks. If you are partnering with a specific ministry site, you may be able to bring other items with you to that specific site.
Is there a specific size that the backpacks should be?
It will depend on the child’s age for whom you are preparing the backpack. A medium-sized backpack works well for a younger child. A larger backpack is suitable for an older child.
Can I and/or my church help give out backpacks at a church or ministry center?
Partnership opportunities are available! Requests for as few as 50 up to several hundred backpacks can be filled, delivered, and given out. Contact Pat Ingram for more information.
Who do I contact if I have any other questions about this project?
Please email all questions to Pat Ingram at pingram@alsbom.org or call 334-613-2334.