Provide a First Night Backpack for a child’s first night in foster care

Children are removed from their families every day because of abuse or neglect. Too often, we’ve seen these children carrying trash bags filled with their belongings when meeting their foster families. Our goal is to provide one backpack for every child equipped with basic materials. 

Please join us in our mission by donating one of the following items. Their most precious belongings don’t belong in the trash. 

Gather your network to make first night backpack kits using our list below, collect items for first-night kits, purchase directly from one of our wishlists, or make a gift online to provide a backpack full of exactly what a child in this situation needs.  With this gift, you’ll provide everything they need for that night and tomorrow. A pair of pajamas, a toothbrush, a blanket…

Each backpack contains the following:
  • Hygiene kit
  • Blanket
  • Stuffed animal
  • Pajamas
 
Donation Drop-Offs:

LYNCHBURG | HumanKind’s Main Campus
1903 HumanKind Way, Lynchburg, VA 24503
Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

RICHMOND | HumanKind 
908 N. Thompson St, Richmond, VA 23230
Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Donate a First Night Backpack Now

Your gift of $35 will help provide a first night backpack full of exactly what a child coming into foster care needs on their first night. You’ll provide a pair of pajamas, a toothbrush, a blanket…even a stuffed animal for young kids to hug and hold that night. Make a difference for at least one child today. 

Or Click HERE or SCAN to donate through our Amazon Wish List

Coordinate a Drive as a Group!

Gather your network to make first night backpacks! Download our First Night Backpack Flyer and start collecting our most needed items. Backpack donations are accepted all year long. Contact us HERE and let us know you are providing first night backpacks for children coming into care.

Get Started + Learn More

 

Interested in volunteering to help put First Night Backpacks together?

Your help is needed! Contact today.
become a VOLUNTEER

 

Our most needed items right now:

  • Backpacks or duffle bags
  • Pajamas (12 Months – Adult Small)
  • Underwear (4T- Adult Medium)
  • Clothes (all sizes/genders)
  • New shoes (all sizes)
  • Pullups & Diapers (sizes 4 +)
  • Baby Wipes
  • Pacifiers & baby bottles
  • Toothpaste + Toothbrush (toddler – adult)
  • Deodorant & hygiene items
  • Feminine products
  • Shampoo & conditioner for all hair types
  • Body Wash
  • Sports balls
  • Coloring books, crayons, and kids activities
  • Books for all ages
  • New stuffed animals
  • Blankets

All donations must be new.

For more information, please contact:
Jamie Creasy | Executive Director / Program Director of Foster Care