2019 Christmas Backpack Goal: 35,000
The goal for the 2019 Christmas Backpacks is a God-sized goal of 35,000 backpacks. The project will include children and teens ages up to 17 years of age residing in Appalachia as well as in the most poverty stricken counties in Southwest Georgia. All Georgia Baptist churches can help meet the physical and spiritual needs of these children and teens by participating in meeting this goal.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
To get started, please review the guidelines and basic information on each tab to the left. Then click the Registration button on the “Start Here” tab to register your church’s, association’s, or ministry’s participation. Registration is required to receive the necessary printed materials to be sent, as well as for planning and tracking purposes.
Start Here
Thank you for your interest in collecting backpacks for children in need. Please review the following information as some details could have changed from the previous year.
- Register your participation in the Christmas Backpacks project:
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. - Backpacks AND their contents need to be NEW.
- Review the new guidelines and gift suggestions for packing a backpack found on the “Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions” on the Resources tab.
- Backpacks need to be packed in medium (18x18x16) size boxes. (These boxes can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, or a shipping/packing store.)
- Boxes need to be securely taped on the top and bottom, not just folded.
- The new, updated version of the “Christmas Story” will be mailed to you to be placed in each backpack.
- New again this year – each backpack must be securely tied with a “Gender” AND “Age” ribbon as directed on the “Key” which is located on the “Christmas Backpack Gift Suggestions” found on the Resources Tab.
- If you adopt a ministry site, it is essential that you arrange transport of your backpacks to that site with the designated leader of the site. The contact information for the designated leader of the site will be provided on your registration confirmation.
- Timing- It is entirely up to you when you choose to promote and collect the backpacks. Please keep in mind that if you put candy or food in the backpacks, you don’t need to collect them too early (check all expiration dates). Absolutely no chocolate or other candy that melts!
Delivery Options:
1. Destination
A. Backpacks may be collected and taken to a location you already have a partnership with within Appalachia or Georgia. (Online registration is still required.)
B. You may adopt a ministry site through the list on the online registration form. (You can view the available sites prior to registering by clicking the “Ministry Sites to Adopt” on the Resources tab.)
C. You may take your collected backpacks to the Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting or to one of other collection sites in the state. These backpacks will fill the unmet needs at sites that have not been adopted.
2. Transportation: Backpacks will only be picked up at the sites in Georgia listed below (C).
A. If you adopt a ministry site, you assume the responsibility of transporting your backpacks to that site.
B. If you choose to let the Georgia Baptist Mission Board use your backpacks to fill unmet needs in Appalachia and Georgia, you may either:
C. Take them to one of the sites in Georgia:
- Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting
New Hope Baptist Church, 551 New Hope Road, Fayetteville
Sunday, November 10: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Monday, November 11: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, November 12: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Corinth Baptist Church, 43 Rockmart Highway, Bremen
Thursday, November 7: 4:00 -8:00 PM
Friday, November 8: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday, November 9: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM - CrossView Baptist Church, 320 W 20th Street, Tifton
Tuesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday, November 7: 1:00 – 3:00 PM - North Salem Baptist Church, 955 GA Highway 30, Port Wentworth
Wednesday, November 6: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 7: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 8: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Northeast Church, 2001 Cherry Drive, Braselton
Monday, November 4: 9:00 AM -3:00 PM
Tuesday, November 5: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, November 6: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
D. Contact Stuart Lang to arrange pick-up and transportation of backpacks for you: backpacks@gabaptist.org. (For logistical scheduling, all requests must be received by October 24, 2019, for pickup the week of November 4.)
FAQ
Q: Why did the name change to Christmas Backpacks?
A: As of 2018 the Christmas Backpacks for Children and Teens came under the Appalachian Mountain Ministry of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Bill Barker serves as the National Director of this ministry.
Q: What’s our goal for 2019?
A: 35,000! We encourage you to set a goal for your church and/or association.
Q: What is my first step to participate in Christmas Backpacks?
A: Review all the tabs on this website for the guidelines and basic information. Then click here to register your participation.
Q: If I am already partnering with a ministry site, do I still need to register?
A: YES. This will help us ensure that all sites requests are being met and will prompt the mailing of the required printed materials to you that go in each backpack.
Q: Are there any changes to the Christmas Backpack project for 2019?
A: Yes, there are two:
- There is an updated flyer with the new details of what should go in each backpack. The flyer is called “Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions” and is located on the Resources tab.
- Instead of a backpack tag, this year each backpack will need two ribbons tied to them – a Gender ribbon (Blue or Pink) and an Age ribbon (Age Purple = Ages 2-3; Yellow = Ages 4-7; Green = Ages 8- 10; Red = Ages 11-14; White = 15-17). The ribbons will need to be provided and tied to each backpack by the person (or church) supplying the backpack. The drop-off sites will not have ribbons available.
Q: Who do I contact if I need more of the “Christmas Story?”
A: Email your request to backpacks@gabaptist.org.
Q: Can we help with the distribution of backpacks at the ministry site?
A: Yes. One of the options is for you to adopt a site for personal involvement. You may do this as an individual church or join with your local association.
Q: What areas are Georgia Baptists focusing on?
A: In Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and Tennessee. In Southwest Georgia: Locations in Bethel Baptist Association and Summerhill Baptist Association.
Q: I’d like to adopt a site but don’t think I can handle transportation of the backpacks that far. What do I do?
A: Since one of the criteria of adopting a site is to deliver the backpacks to that site, your best option would be to bring your backpacks to one of the collection sites in Georgia. Keep in mind that all backpacks that come through the Georgia Baptist Mission Board collection sites will be used to fill the gaps. If you bring your backpacks to one of our collection sites, we cannot guarantee which ministry site they will go to.
Q: I can’t find anyone in my association to take the backpacks to one of the collection sites.
A: Contact Stuart Lang (backpacks@gabaptist.org) for all logistical questions in getting backpacks to the annual meeting. (For logistical scheduling, all requests must be received by October 24, 2019, for pickup the week of November 4.)
Q: Can I put a Bible in the backpack?
A: Absolutely. (Recommended version: God’s Word. Other versions: Holman Christian Standard, NEW King James, any other easy to read version, or King James.)
Q: Where can I find a list of ministry sites to consider adopting? How do I adopt a ministry site?
A: Go to the Resources tab to vie the “Ministry Sites to Adopt” list. When you have chosen a minstry site, register your participation and choice by clicking here.
Q: I want to adopt a ministry site but can’t fill the quota that they’re asking for. Is that okay?
A: Yes. When registering your participation, list how many backpacks you can supply for that ministry site.
Q: Other than putting a copy of “The Christmas Story,” tying a Gender and Age ribbon to each bag, and packing and sealing them in medium size packing boxes (18x18x16), is there anything else we need to do on our end?
A: No. All other processing will be done at the ministry sites.
Q: What time can backpacks be dropped off at the Annual Meeting?
A: Sunday, November 10: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Monday, November 11: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, November 12: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Q: Where are the other collection sites in Georgia and when may I take backpacks to them?
A:
- Corinth Baptist Church, 43 Rockmart Highway, Bremen
Thursday, November 7: 4:00 -8:00 PM
Friday, November 8: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday, November 9: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM - CrossView Baptist Church, 320 W 20th Street, Tifton
Tuesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday, November 7: 1:00 – 3:00 PM - North Salem Baptist Church, 955 GA Highway 30, Port Wentworth
Wednesday, November 6: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 7: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 8: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Northeast Church, 2001 Cherry Drive, Braselton
Monday, November 4: 9:00 AM -3:00 PM
Tuesday, November 5: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, November 6: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Q: Who do I contact if I have any questions about the Christmas Backpacks Project?
A: Please email all questions and needs to backpacks@gabaptist.org. Your email will be routed to the appropriate person to respond. If after you have emailed you feel you need to speak with someone directly, call 1-770-936-5254 and ask to speak to someone regarding Christmas Backpacks.
Bulletin inserts, the flyers, and Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions have all been updated for your use in 2019.
Downloads
Bulletin Insert (Black and White)
Flyer (8 1/2 x 11 – Black and White)
Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions Instructions (How to Pack a Backpack)
Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions Instructions – Black and White (How to Pack a Backpack)
Logo (Black and White)
Ministry Sites to Adopt
The Christmas Story (NOTE – this will be shipped to all registered Georgia Baptist Organizations.)
Videos
NOTE: After page loads, look below video for “Download” button and click to choose download format.
2019 Christmas Backpack Goal: 35,000
This project will include children and teens ages up to 17 years of age residing in Appalachia as well as in the most poverty stricken counties in Southwest Georgia. All Georgia Baptist churches can help meet the physical and spiritual needs of these children and teens by participating in meeting this goal.
Registration will open soon for 2019.
Thank you for your interest in Christmas Backpacks for children and teens!
Information regarding Christmas Backpacks Ministry Adoption Sites will be posted no later than June 1, 2019.
Resources (see tab) such as the bulletin inserts, flyers, and gift suggestions have been been updated for your use in 2019.
Delivery options and drop-off sites will be posted no later than August 1, 2019.
Delivery Options: Information and drop-off sites will be posted no later than August 1, 2019.
1. Destination
A. Backpacks may be collected and taken to a location you already have a partnership with within Appalachia or Georgia. (Online registration is still required.)
B. You may adopt a ministry site through the list on the online registration form. (You can view the available sites prior to registering by clicking the “Ministry Sites to Adopt” on the Resources tab.)
C. You may take your collected backpacks to the Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting or to one of other collection sites in the state. These backpacks will fill the unmet needs at sites that have not been adopted.
2. Transportation: Backpacks will only be picked up at the sites in Georgia (2019 info available at a later date).
FAQ
Q: Why did the name change to Christmas Backpacks?
A: As of 2018 the Christmas Backpacks for Children and Teens came under the Appalachian Mountain Ministry of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Bill Barker serves as the National Director of this ministry.
Q: What’s our goal for 2019?
A: 35,000! We encourage you to set a goal for your church and/or association.
Q: What is my first step to participate in Christmas Backpacks?
A: Review all the tabs on this website for the guidelines and basic information. 2019 registration will be available at a later date. Stay tuned for more information on the registration process.
Q: If I am already partnering with a ministry site, do I still need to register?
A: YES. This will help us ensure that all sites requests are being met and will prompt the mailing of the required printed materials to you that go in each backpack.
Q: Are there any changes to the Christmas Backpack project for 2019?
A: Yes, there are two:
- There is an updated flyer with the new details of what should go in each backpack. The flyer is called “Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions” and is located on the Resources tab.
- Instead of a backpack tag, this year each backpack will need two ribbons tied to them – a Gender ribbon (Blue or Pink) and anAge ribbon (Age Purple = Ages 2-3; Yellow = Ages 4-7; Green = Ages 8- 10; Red = Ages 11-14; White = 15-17). The ribbons will need to be provided and tied to each backpack by the person (or church) supplying the backpack. The drop-off sites will not have ribbons available.
Q: Who do I contact if I need more of the “Christmas Story?”
A: Email your request to bbarker@gabaptist.org.
Q: Can we help with the distribution of backpacks at the ministry site?
A: Yes. One of the options is for you to adopt a site for personal involvement. You may do this as an individual church or join with your local association.
Q: What areas are Georgia Baptists focusing on?
A: In Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and Tennessee. In Southwest Georgia: Locations in Bethel Baptist Association and Summerhill Baptist Association.
Q: I’d like to adopt a site but don’t think I can handle transportation of the backpacks that far. What do I do?
A: Since one of the criteria of adopting a site is to deliver the backpacks to that site, your best option would be to bring your backpacks to one of the collection sites in Georgia (to be posted on this website by late summer). Keep in mind that all backpacks that come through the Georgia Baptist Mission Board collection sites will be used to fill the gaps. If you bring your backpacks to one of our collection sites, we cannot guarantee which ministry site they will go to.
Q: I can’t find anyone in my association to take the backpacks to one of the collection sites.
A: Call Bill Barker at 770-936-5273 or 404-538-2895 (cell).
Q: Can I put a Bible in the backpack?
A: Absolutely. (Recommended version: God’s Word. Other versions: Holman Christian Standard, NEW King James, any other easy to read version, or King James.)
Q: I want to adopt a ministry site but can’t fill the quota that they’re asking for. Is that okay?
A: Yes. Once this registration process is on the website, choose your Ministry Adoption site and list how many backpacks you can commit.
Q: Other than putting a copy of “The Christmas Story,” tying a Gender and Age ribbon to each bag, and packing and sealing them in medium size packing boxes (18x18x16), is there anything else we need to do on our end?
A: No. All other processing will be done at the ministry sites.
Q: Who do I contact if I have any questions about the Christmas Backpacks Project?
A: Please email all questions and needs to bbarker@gabaptist.org. Your email will be routed to the appropriate person to respond. If after you have emailed you feel you need to speak with someone directly, call 1-800-746-4422 and ask to speak to someone regarding Christmas Backpacks.
Bulletin inserts, the flyers, and Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions have all been updated for your use in 2019.
Downloads
Bulletin Insert (Black and White)
Flyer (8 1/2 x 11 – Black and White)
Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions Instructions (How to Pack a Backpack)
Christmas Backpacks Gift Suggestions Instructions – Black and White (How to Pack a Backpack)
The Christmas Story (NOTE – this will be shipped to all registered Georgia Baptist Organizations.)
Videos
NOTE: After page loads, look below video for “Download” button and click to choose download format.