Project BackPack: Backpacks Full of Supplies for Kids

The Southside Hiking club encourages members and their families to be environmentally and globally aware by helping support different needs around the world.

This Fall and Christmas 2006 the Southside Hiking Group will be taking part in a project to provide needy children in the Philippines with backpacks full of supplies.

We encourage members to purchase a small backpack and fill it with the supplies listed below (ie in lieu of 2006 membership fees) and to bring the filled backpack to any Southside Hiking club outing. You can give your backpack to any of the group leaders.

Five Easy Steps: How to pack your Philippines Backpack

1. Pick up a bag from a hiking club leader. Clickc here to contact us now to let us know you want to get involved by either putting together a bag or by making a donation

2. Decide whether your gift will be for a BOY or GIRL and choose an age category:
(2 – 4) (5 – 9) or (10 – 14).

3. Fill your bag with a variety of gifts:

School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons, colouring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.

Hygiene items: toothbrush, soap, comb, washcloth, etc.

Toys: small balls, dolls, cuddly animals, skipping rope, puzzles, yo-yos, etc.

Other: hard wrapped candy, mints, sunglasses, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewellery, hair clips, watches, small picture books, etc.

Please do NOT include the following:
Any food items (hard wrapped candy is acceptable)
Any used items
Any items that need batteries
Anything that could:
Melt or freeze
Leak or break
Scare or harm

4. $5 for Shipping: Please donate $5 for each tote bag you prepare to help cover shipping costs.

You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself and/or your family if you want. Personal notes of encouragement are cherished by the children.

5. Return all completed bags to the hiking club by no later than December 15.

A tote bag full of gifts means such a lot to the children and families –
not only the presents inside but the love that leaps out of the bag.
In many instances this may be the only present the child has ever been given and they are greatly treasured. Every contribution makes for another happy child.

Note: sending backpacks was the original project plan, but the project has been slightly modified to send "tote bags" instead.