backpackprojectMN
We work very hard to make sure that each backpack donated contains at least one of each of the items on this list. The most important items are the BACKPACKS, MENSTRUAL KITS, AND SOCKS.
Backpack* (Sturdy, young adult appropriate)
Winter Gloves/Mittens (Please no dollar store or "magic" gloves, they must be insulated gloves suitable for winter, outdoors overnight in Minnesota.)
Winter Hat (Please, no dollar store hats, they must be thick, warm, and suitable for winter, outdoors overnight in Minnesota)
Winter Scarf (Please, no dollar store scarves, they must be suitable for winter, outdoors overnight in Minnesota)
Socks (Thick winter hiking or athletic socks)
Bandana
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Lotion (2-10oz)
Razors
Deodorant
Dental Floss (standard floss, 100 feet)
Sewing kit (multi kit @Hollar.com is perfect)
Band-Aids/First Aid Kit Items
Gift Card for food ($10, Cub, Target, etc)
Pen/Pencil
Notebook (Spiral or bound, 8.5x11 size)
Flashlight
Gift Item
Tampons/Pads/Liners
Kleenex Travel Pack
Hand Sanitizer
Reusable Water Bottle
Chap Stick
Laundry Pods
Dryer sheets
Hand Warmers
Ziploc bags
Cosmetic items
Cosmetic/toiletry bags
Wet wipes (small travel size!)
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Find us on Facebook to see the most current updates to our inventory. We also have an Amazon Wishlist for easy shopping!
*Good, strong backpacks are ESSENTIAL. Please make sure they are STURDY, with good strong zippers and well-made seams. These are for adult-sized teens that use them every day to pack ALL of their belongings, they are used in harsh and challenging conditions. We cannot use promotional quality bulk backpacks, or used backpacks. Thank you!
We do not collect clothing or used items.
We need quality, warm winter gear for adults that spend long periods of time outdoors. This excludes hats, scarves, and gloves that are made for fashion or from dollar stores.
Thank you!
Thank you for donating!
The young people receiving the backpacks are homeless, without shelter, and face very harsh weather in Minnesota. These backpacks end up holding all of their belongings and get heavily used as they navigate shelter, city transportaiton, jobs, school, everything. So please, if you are donating today, make sure the backpacks are sturdy and they are sized and themed appropriately for everyday use by a teenager. We always end up with a colorful variety of items donated, and we make sure to mark the packs male/female depending on colors and contents of the packs.
Questions? Email me! Randy@BackpackProjectMN.com
Backpack Project MN is a nonprofit based in Minneapolis, Minnesota serving the Twin Cities Metro Area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. We are run solely by volunteers and are recognized as a 501c3 organization.
Our goal is to assist homeless young people by providing with them backpacks and daily-use personal care items on their journey from homeless to hopeful.
© 2018 Backpack Project MN