Christmas Backpacks - Tennessee Baptist Mission Board

Share a gift of love and the gospel with a child in need.

In Tennessee, 22.4% of children live in poverty. For some of these children, a backpack from Tennessee Baptists may be all they receive for Christmas.

Christmas Backpacks are Child-Focused, Christ Centered and Church Connected

Every effort is made to connect the child and their family with a local church. Each Christmas Backpack provides an opportunity to share the gospel with a child.

How can you be involved?

Pray – Start praying today for the boys and girls who will receive Christmas Backpacks
Participate – You, your family, your church, and your organization can become involved by preparing Christmas Backpacks for Children and Teens
Partner – You can partner with a church or compassion ministry that is distributing Christmas Backpacks

Selections:

Register – Let us know how many backpacks your church or organization will commit to send.
How to Pack a Christmas Backpack
Download Resources
Backpack Collection Timeline and Location
Contact Us

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How to Pack a Backpack

Each backpack will have two color ribbons attached to indicate age and gender.

Ages:
- 4-7 – Yellow
- 8-10 – Green
- 11-15 – Red
Gender:
- Boy – Blue
- Girl – Pink

Start with a NEW, zippered backpack. Choose gender and securely tie two ribbons to the outside (see ribbon color key above). Fill with NEW gifts (see suggestions below). Pray specifically for the child that will receive your backpack. Take your backpack to a designated collection site.

Gift Suggestions

Always include a copy of the provided Christmas Story (Download and Print here).

Toys: Small cars, balls, 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, etc.

Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (boxed and in a plastic bag), hairbrush, comb, washcloth, ponytail holders, hair clips, etc.

Other: Children’s Bible or Teen Bible, hard candy (no chocolate), lollipops (double bag all candy), mints, gum, socks, t-shirts, hats, sunglasses, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (include extra batteries), age-appropriate Christian books, pop-top cans of food, etc.

Ideas for Older Kids (10-14):

Girls: lip gloss, costume jewelry, scarves, friendship bracelets, craft kits, journals, fun socks, slippers, doodle books, etc.

Boys: Legos, card games, hand held electronic games, basketball, soccer ball, NERF football, etc.

Please note: Unless specifically requested, backpacks should NOT include school supplies and food. Christmas Backpacks are given as Christmas gifts to children in need.

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