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Reach Appalachia with Gospel Backpacks!

Hurricanes and flooding have caused devastation in Appalachia in Virginia. Help SBCV churches make a Gospel impact through backpacks.

Individuals, families, Life Groups, and ministries are invited to prepare ministry backpacks in preparation for outreach in Appalachia. Backpacks will be collected from across the state and distributed to thousands of children through SBC of Virginia churches in the Southwest Region.

SMRBC will be collecting backpacks in the foyer on Sundays, or backpacks can be brought to the church office during office hours on weekdays. Please bring your backpack in by Sunday, October 26th, 2025.

Please Note: Some of the instructions for backpacks have changed this year!

How to Pack a Backpack

1. Buy a Backpack

  • You can purchase backpacks on your own or through the link below. Please be sure they are full size, (17 inch) and have zippers. We recommend 17″ Trailmaker Classic Backpacks from BagsInBulk.com.

2. Add a label

  • Each backpack will need to have a label to specify whether it is for:
    • a boy or girl
    • an elementary or middle school-age child
  • Labels will be available at the Information Desk

3. Fill the Backpack

To ensure that children receive backpacks similar in content and cost, please adhere to these guidelines. All contents need to fit inside of the zipped backpack.

  • 1 school supply pouch filled with sharpened #2 pencils, a small sharpener, a pack of colored pencils, ink pens, and a pack of crayons (Kits are available at Wow Supplies).
  • 1 refillable water bottle – to save space, fill the bottle with non-chocolate candy!
  • 1 quart-size Ziploc bag with candy treats (ex., Skittles, Smarties, lollipops or anything non-chocolate)
  • 1 gallon Ziplock bag with personal items (ex., toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, travel-sized soap, shampoo)
  • 1 gallon Ziplock bag with single serve food items (ex., cheese crackers, squeeze applesauce, granola bars, animal crackers)
  • 1 set of winter gloves and hat
  • 1 pack of socks
  • Add a personal note or card from you, your family, your LIfe Group, etc. Add a photo to make it even more personal!
  • Optional Items:
    • 1 small non-electronic toy (no toy guns or knives)
    • Journal, coloring book, activity book (age-appropriate). The Good Book Company has a range of excellent resources!
    • Kid-themed bandages/ band aids
    • Sunglasses
    • Small stuffed animal
    • Baseball cap
    • Deflated sports ball and pump
  • PLEASE NOTE: The SBCV will be including Bibles, Gospel Tracts, and contact information for local churches where these backpacks are distributed. We do not need to provide these items.

4. Pray over the backpack

Pray for God to deliver the backpacks into the hands of many who have not yet heard of Jesus. Pray for God to use each item to remind them of His love and care. And pray for each child and his/her family to call on Him and be saved. (Romans 10:13)

5. Bring it In

SMRBC will be collecting backpacks in the foyer on Sundays, or backpacks can be brought to the church office during office hours on weekdays. Please bring your backpack in by Sunday, October 26th, 2025. 

Testimonies from Receiving Ministries

“Two families came to faith in Jesus as a result of the generosity and gospel opportunity of our backpack outreach.” – Ayman L. – SBCV International Leader, Northern Virginia

“Every school aged child in our town was able to receive a backpack and hear that Jesus loves them. Thank you.” – Billy G. -SBCV Church Planter, Saltville

“Not only did we get to help underprivileged kids (I’m sure that the backpack is all some will get for Christmas) but more importantly we got to share Jesus with others who may not have ever heard about his love.” – Gary O. – SBCV Pastor, Haysi

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