Stuff-A-Sackpack Sign Up Information

Thank you for your interest in getting involved in this year's 11th 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 8 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 2024: 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

Fun Stuffers

  • Watch, Wallet, Simple Jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces; anything too flashy is at risk of being stolen)

  • Makeup of any kind for the girls

  • Hand / makeup wipes

  • Gift cards to the movies (the teens love going to the movies but many rarely get to go!)

  • Haircut gift certificaters

  • Dollar Tree gift cards

  • Aut-to Mocha / Dutch Bros Gift Cards

  • Stress Balls

  • Journal w/ Markers/Pens

Practical Stuffers

  • Gift cards for restaurants 

  • Earbuds for listening to music

  • Universal phone chargers

  • ChapStick (plain is popular)

  • Axe deodorant / Body spray for the boys

  • “Good” deodorant for the girls

  • Dry shampoo

  • Band-Aids w/ Neosporin

  • Link bus tokens / passes

  • Scarves, Hats, Gloves, Fuzzy/Wool Socks

  • Travel size hand sanitizer 

  • Lap blankets

Edible Stuffers (shelf-stable)

  • Beef Jerky

  • Beef Sticks

  • Travel Snacks

  • Tasty Sweets

  • Trail Mix

  • Protein Bars

  • Gum/Candy

  • Hot chocolate packets

  • Encouraging Candy Bars

    *As a precaution, food items must be packaged and unopened.