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. 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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

*Good, strong backpacks are the MOST ESSENTIAL ITEMS. 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. Thank you!

Thank you for donating!