Charity collecting items for annual Christmas backpacks for homeless kids
- EFN Staff | December 01, 2016
Once again, a charity that began as the dream of a young Métis child is gathering items to help less fortunate children this Christmas season.
Stephen's Backpacks Society began in 2005 as the dream of Métis child Stephen McPhee of Airdrie, Alberta, when he learned that there were children who didn't have a home like he did.
"Every child should have their own home with grass to run on, their own bed to sleep in, and lots of toys," according to Stephen.
In 2006, Stephen and his family put together 15 backpacks that contained things like winter clothing, blankets, school supplies, books, and supplies specific to infants, children, and teenagers.
The program expanded to include Saskatchewan in 2013. Two years later, more than 500 backpacks were delivered to children in this province, and now they are collecting again for children in need.
Related:
Stephen's Backpacks will be accepting donations of school supplies and toys in new or mint condition. Drop off location is the Courts of Praise building on the corner of Ruth and Herman on Fridays from 6-9 pm. Backpack Assembly is December 18-20th from 3-9pm. Call 306-850-1046 or visit our website at www.stephensbackpacks.com
Each backpack is age and gender appropriate from infant to 18 years and is filled to overflowing with new items only. Some items like blankets, scarves, mittens and hats are lovingly homemade while the rest is store bought and/or donated.
What you can donate:
- Backpack – size appropriate for age
- Mitts/ gloves/ hats/ toques/ scarves
- Teething accessories/ formula/ baby food/ Baby and Mom hygiene items
- Games/ toys/ stuffed animal toy/cards
- School Supplies/ rulers/ pencils/ pens/ erasers/ binders/ loose leaf paper/calculators/crayons
- Blanket/socks
- Flashlight/ batteries/ radio/ alarm clock
- Hygiene items Age Appropriate/ soap/ toothpaste/ toothbrush/lotion
- Candy Bag/ gift certificates
Optional Items include: clothing items such as pj’s, slippers and other objects, shoes/boots, flashlight with batteries, CD player, mp3 player, Gift certificates, mirror, dental floss, lotion/ cream, shampoo/conditioner and facecloths, puzzles, games, coloring books.
Stephen's Backpacks is also hosting a dinner theatre fundraiser on December 17. See the poster below for details.
