Stuff-A-Sackpack Sign Up Information

Thank you for your interest in getting involved in this year's 10th Annual “Stuff-a-Sackpack” for teens! Online signups are open until December 4, 2024.

In 2023 we provided 385 full sackpacks and 620 community use envelopes to teens in eight places

This year all stuffed sackpacks will be distributed again directly through 5 local schools. The administration & staff at each school will identify & submit sackpacks requests for students within their schools who meet criteria as either homeless (per McKinney-Vento Act), high risk, and/or in-need. Two weeks before winter break all sackpacks will be delivered to the schools. Administration & staff at each school will determine how to most efficiently & safely connect with the students they have chosen to distribute all sackpacks & donations before the break.

AGAIN IN 2023: DRAWSTRING SACKPACKS!

Sackpacks are reusable, discreet, and practical for teens. A quality sackpack that will last beyond the holiday is highly recommended. They may be purchased in many brands, colors & styles locally or online. Find recommendations for sackpacks under “Ideas for Stuffers & Sackpacks” below.

WHAT TO FILL YOUR SACKPACK WITH

When choosing what to fill your sackpack with, please remember that any of the teens we are serving may be homeless. Many will not have basic winter commodities like a hoodie, boots, gloves, scarves, or hats. Some will not have a reliable access to meals outside of school. Please also consider making emotional encouragement a priority in as many ways as possible through your sackpack this year. Our local schools are doing everything they can so that high risk teens don’t slip through the cracks. Your sackpack is a great way to increase motivation & positivity.  

Below is a list of recommended items based on what we’ve learned over the past eight years. You are not obligated to provide any of the following gifts.  One of the unique qualities of this outreach project is the flexibility to choose how & with what you include in your stocking! Our Only Rule:

NO WEAPONS (KNIVES), NO RAZORS OR MEDICATIONS

Also, please take into consideration that for most of these teens, lack of space to store personal belongings and a daily fear of their belongings being stolen is a reality. If possible, it has been suggested that all donated items be small/light enough to fit into the sackpacks.

Ideas for Stuffers & Sackpacks

Please feel free to get creative with your sackpacks! These are just some ideas to get you started.

2024 Recommended Sackpacks:

HOLYLUCK Drawstring Backpack
Adidas Burst Sackpack
Drawstring Backpack with Zipper & Water Bottle Mesh Pockets

The mission of Stuff-a-Sackpack is to make sure homeless, high-risk and underprivileged teens know that their community has not forgotten them during the holidays. 

Your words of encouragement are very powerful! consider including a personalized or anonymous handwritten card to send well wishes or a hopeful message for the teen who will be receiving your sackpack.

Please make sure all gift items are inside the sackpack to ensure privacy.

During the week of stuffed sackpack turn-ins, we will Also be accepting:

• $30 Grocery Store Gift Cards

• NEW Packages of Warm Socks

• Feminine Hygiene Products in All Sizes 

• New and/or Gently Used Hoodies/Sweatshirts in all sizes will also be accepted
  (the colors dark blue & red are discouraged due to gang ties).  

If you have any questions or would like to donate in a unique way not listed here, would like to make arrangements for a private pickup/contactless curbside drop-off please do not hesitate to contact us. If you know of anyone who may be interested in getting involved we would appreciate referrals or adds to our Facebook group!  

Thank you for your support – and have fun!