Packed with care and brimming with hope, an annual backpack project headed up by the Newton County Extension Office aims to deliver vital items to uplift hearts of community-based housing residents.
Project Backpack is now underway at the Extension Office in Decatur, with a deadline set for Dec. 1, where they are requesting donations of new or gently used backpacks filled with toiletries and other useful items to be distributed to individuals living in community-based residential housing in Newton County and surrounding counties.
Suggested items to be stuffed in backpacks include such items as deodorant/antiperspirant, bar soap, shampoo/conditioner, wet wipes, tampons/pad, toothbrush, mouthwash, hand lotion, come/hairbrush, lip balm, hand sanitizer, shaving cream, safety shaving razors, wash clothes, socks, first aid supplies, gloves, stocking cap/hat, and other essentials.
What began as Project Purse several years ago has evolved into a broader initiative, ensuring that backpacks filled with vital supplies reach individuals in community-based residential housing, domestic shelters, and those experiencing homelessness.
“We started this project over 10 years ago to provide functional support,” said Extension Agent Katrina McCalphia. “Backpacks are easier to carry, and they allow us to serve everyone—not just women.”
The transition from purses to backpacks has enabled the program to distribute over 1,500 backpacks filled with essentials like toothbrushes, socks, gloves, and other toiletries to families, children, and individuals in need.
The project focuses on toiletry items critical for those who may need to evacuate quickly, such as residents of domestic shelters.
Community support has been the backbone of Project Backpack’s success.
“People are very generous, and we appreciate everyone being supportive of this community project,” McCalphia said. “We’ve had individuals that will just bring toiletry items without the backpack, and we have some some that bring backpacks without the toiletry items. So, we’ll stuff everything once everybody has provided the items. And actually, we have some backpacks that have been donated already, so anyone that just want to donate toiletry items are welcome to.”
Donated backpacks, toiletries and essentials can be dropped off at the Newton County Extension Office, located at 65 7th Street in Decatur, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those unable to drop off items at the Extension Office in Newton County, pickups can be arranged throughout the county at central locations.
For more information or to schedule a pickup of donated items, call the Newton County Extension Office at 601-635-7011.
