A Backpack of My Own
Group Type Local Outreach
Backpacks are needed for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. You can get involved by providing a backpack filled with supplies or contributing financially.
Backpacks can be dropped off at our Fort Collins July 18/19, July 25/26, August 1/2, August 8/9 and August 15/16. At our Windsor Campus on July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, and August 16.
*You can also drop-off backpacks Monday through Thursday at the Campus Reception Desk.
A Backpack of My Own
A Backpack of My Own is a backpack drive that provides new backpacks, filled with school supplies to children of all ages in foster, adoptive, and kinship care in Larimer and Weld Counties. These children and teens are often in heartbreaking situations, at no fault of their own, and come into foster care with nothing to call their own.
The mission of this program is to ensure foster children in Larimer and Weld Counties not only have the supplies they need to learn, but also feel supported and loved by their community. We want them to feel confident showing up to school this fall, knowing they have new backpacks and supplies, just like their peers.
In the event that we fulfill the backpack needs of our local foster, adoptive and kinship partners, we will partner with other local organizations to serve vulnerable families in Northern Colorado.
To Donate a Fully Equipped Backpack:
- Pick an age group you want to fill a backpack or backpacks for. See the supply lists below for each age group. Print list here.
- Register to fill a backpack or give a financial donation by clicking here. All donations are tax deductible through Timberline Church. This helps us know how many backpacks to expect, and for which age group.
- Shop till you drop! If you’d like, choose a theme for your backpack(s).
- If you’d like, write a note of encouragement to the recipient to include in your backpack. Another fun idea that provides encouragement are affirmation cards. You could also write a couple encouraging scriptures on 3x5 cards. Recipients also love receiving drawings or notes from other children who helped fill the backpacks.
- Label your backpack “Elementary”, “Middle School”, “High School" or "CSU Fostering Success”.
To Fill Backpacks with Your Workplace, Sports Team or Other Groups:
- Follow the same process listed above. If you’d like tips or resources for group efforts, email rachel@consultorca.com
Get the Kids in Your Life Involved:
This is not only a great opportunity to model generosity, compassion and love, but to also educate the children in your life about what the foster system is.
“When you arrive at a home...everything there belongs to ‘someone’ ...THERE… NOTHING is just YOURS. It helps to arrive with some THINGS that are JUST yours. Sharing is great and a
must in learned behavior, but you got to have something before you can learn to share.”
-MANDY, in foster care for 6 years, adopted when she was 10 years old.
“Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these believers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40
We, as the body of Christ, can step in and meet this need!
Frequently Asked Questions
· Can I bring a partially filled backpack? No. We need backpacks filled with all items listed. However, you can donate funds instead here. Another good option is to partner with coworkers, friends, neighbors, a small group or sports team to fill a backpack together.
- If I make a financial donation, is it tax deductible? Yes, through Timberline Church.
- Can I provide gently used backpacks or supplies? No. We ask that everything provided be new and unused.
- Can I enclose a personal note or word of encouragement? Yes! The kids love reading notes from the people who filled their backpack. Another good way to show love for these children is to pray for the child who receives your backpack.
- If I miss the drop-off date what should I do? Please email us missions@timberlinechurch.org
- Will I be told who receives the backpack(s) I fill? No. Due to the private nature of the foster care system, you won’t be given any information with regard to who receives your backpack.
- What happens if you receive more backpacks than you need for a certain age group? Backpacks are kept on hand to be given to children who come into foster care mid-year needing a backpack and supplies.
- Which age group has the greatest need? We typically have a greater need for middle school and high school backpacks than elementary age backpacks.
Backpacks and Supplies Go To…
Children from the following agencies will benefit:
- Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families of Larimer County
- Weld County Children’s Services
- CSU’s Fostering Success Program
2908 S Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525 | (970) 482-4387
timberlinechurch.org/serve/local-outreach/ | missions@timberlinechurch.org
facebook.com/timberlinechurch.missions