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We hope that your church is planning to participate in the Christmas Backpacks this year. The West Metro Baptist Association will be partnering with Hale Community Ministries in Elizabethton, Tennessee, again this year. We will be collecting backpacks filled with items for children ages 3 to 18. Please see the list of suggested items to pack, how to pack your backpacks, and how to label your backpacks. The collection date will be October 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Beulah Church.
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The WMBA is offering 17" backpacks for the reimbursement cost of $3.00 each while supplies last. Please contact Cathy Whitten to acquire your backpacks.
GIFT SUGGESTIONS
All zippered backpacks and gifts are to be NEW items. No used items please.
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For each NEW zippered backpack, please include:
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The Christmas Story
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2 Ribbons--to indicate gender and age of recipient
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The 2 ribbons should be tied securely to the backpack
Gender: Age:
Blue = Boy Yellow = Ages 3-4
Pink = Girl Green = Ages 5-7
Purple = Ages 8-10
Red = Ages 11-14
White = Ages 15-18
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Example: Girl, age 6 = 1 pink ribbon, 1 green ribbon securely tied to the backpack
PACKING GUIDELINES
TOYS (At least 1 item): Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, Frisbee, card games such as Ol' Maid, Go Fish, etc.
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HYGIENE ITEMS (At least 2 items): Toothbrush, Toothpaste, mild bar soap (boxed and in a plastic bag), shampoo (securely sealed & in a plastic bag), hairbrush, comb, pony tail holders, barrettes, hair clips, washcloth, etc.
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BIBLES: Please include a Bible in each backpack. Children's or Teen Bible (KJV, God's Word, or CSB version)
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OTHER: Age-appropriate Christian books, sunglasses, toy jewelry, watches, or flashlights (with batteries)
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FOOD: Canned food items with pop-tops (nothing that requires a can opener and no plastic containers), and protein bars. Candy is acceptable and would be appreciated. Hard candy, lollipops, mints, or gum (no chocolate). Please double bag all candy. NO food items with peanut butter or nuts.
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CLOTHING : Please NO clothing this year.
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Additional Ideas to consider for older kids (11-18)
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GIRLS: Lip gloss, costume jewelry, friendship bracelets, craft kits, hand held electronic games, journals, fun socks & slippers, doodle books, Spirograph kit, or feminine Hygiene supplies
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BOYS: LEGOS, hand electronic games, journals, flashlights (with extra batteries), basketball,
soccer ball, or NERF football
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Please note that the ages requested this year begin with age 3 and go through age 18.
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Please do not include guns or knives.
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Backpacks need to be packed in medium (18x18x16) size boxes with 4 to each box if possible. (These boxes are available for purchase at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, or a shipping packing store.)
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Bulletin Insert
Backpack Bulletin Insert
Flyer
Backpack Flyer
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