The Church of the Rock

‘Thanksgiving Backpacks’ for Homeless Men, Women, Children and Homeless Veterans

Thank you for taking the time reading our request and considering helping us…help homeless Men, Women, Children and our homeless Veterans in the Treasure Valley.  Our goal is to supply to those in need with ‘Thanksgiving Backpacks’ that are filled with food and hygiene items as well as first-aid kits and winter basics, etc. (detailed list at the bottom of the page).  

We are a small nonprofit group that is 100% volunteer based.  The Church of the Rock - Backpacks  We have no paid staff.  We work from a platform of committed service, love and purpose.  100% of your tax deductible donation goes directly to purchasing backpacks, the food items and other supplies. 

This is our ninth (10th) year of fulfilling this need.  And this is the second time we have reached out to the public this way.  We are hoping to put together 275 filled backpacks to be distributed on Thanksgiving morning to people living on the streets.  The average cost of each filled backpack is $85.00 to $110.00 based on the various items that we are able to collect.  


Last winter our goal was 275 backpacks and we were blessed to distribute 289 in total.  The items that we put in these backpacks are literally lifesaving to hundreds of adults and children.  These desperately needed backpacks are used throughout the year by those who are homeless to preserve what few precious items that they possess.  Each backpack is given with no questions asked and no forms to fill out.  The only requirement is basic need.   
We know that is it difficult to measure the full impact of your gift to our cause and how it will affect the lives of hundreds of people.  But we hope that a simple but powerful ‘knowing’ will fill your heart.  Even the smallest donation will make a huge difference.  And we hope that you will pass this request on to others who may add to your heartfelt response so it may grow.   

The ‘war’ of homelessness is far from over.  And we are determined to help our homeless veterans and men, women and children in the Treasure Valley to know that they are not alone in this battle.  Many groups like ours are often the ‘supply source’ for people struggling with homelessness.  Your gift will surely strengthen them as they continue this daily struggle of getting to a better place…a place, one day to call home.  

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Backpacks of Good Quality 
Winter Gloves - Winter Scarves - Winter Hats - Socks - Undershirts - Underwear - Reusable Sports Bottles

Hygiene and Toiletry Kits
Razors - Shaving Cream - Bar Soap - Shampoo - Tooth Brush - Tooth Paste - Dental Floss - Combs - Hair Brushes - Fingernail Clippers - Women’s Personal Hygiene Items - Skin Lotion

Food Items
Canned Foods such as: Vienna Sausage – Potted Meat - Tuna Lunch Kits w/ Crackers - Chicken Salad Lunch Kits w/ Crackers - Mac & Cheese - Cup O' Noodles - Instant Oatmeal Cereal  - Varieties of Fruit Cups - Oatmeal Bars - Granola Bars - Varieties of Pudding Cups - Peanut Butter - Crackers - Individual packaged Cheese & Crackers - Small Cans of Pringles - Varieties of Bagged Nuts - Trail Mix - Single Serving Packaged Lemonade, Gatorade and various Powered Drinks for Sports Bottle - Bottled Water

First-Aid Kits
Adhesive Bandages (assorted sizes) Antibiotic Ointment Packets - Antiseptic Wipe Packets - Alcohol Prep Pads - Non-latex Gloves - Sterile Gauze Pads

 Kids Only Items
Crayons - Coloring Books  - Travel Size Puzzles 
Travel Size Games - Stuffed Animals - Teaching Flash Cards -
Dolls - Small Toy Cars - Small Toy Figures

Additional Items
Hand Warmers (BIG demand for these) - Toe Warmers
Body Warmers  -  Zip-lock Baggies (Sandwich and Gallon Size)  
Playing Cards  - 3 piece Silverware (Forks, Spoons, Knives)  
Flashlights w/ Batteries