Backpacks of Hope

A BACKPACK. A LITTLE COMFORT. A LOT OF HOPE.

When a child enters foster care, they may arrive with very few belongings. Backpacks of Hope provides children and teens with backpacks filled with everyday essentials and comfort items, helping them feel cared for during an unfamiliar and often difficult transition. Through the generosity of our community, we provide backpacks to local Children and Youth agencies serving families across Central Pennsylvania.

Pack A BACKPACK
find a drop-off
Current Needs

WHY BACKPACKS MATTER

When a child enters foster care, having a. few essentials and something of their own can make an unfamiliar first night a little easier.

PACK A BAG
give supplies
get involved

What’s Inside a Backpack?

Packing a Bag 101

Fill A Backpack!

Take your completed bag to one of our drop off locations!

Donate Items

  • Backpacks

  • Pajamas

  • Toiletries newborns - teens

  • Stuffed animals

  • Flashlights and nightlights

  • Blankets (no larger than 5’X6’)

  • Underwear - all sizes

  • Socks - all sizes

  • Hats, gloves, scarves

  • School supplies

  • Coloring books

  • Crayons, markers, colored pencils

  • Small games

  • Small toys

  • Books

Ways to Give

There Are So Many Ways to Help

You don't have to fill an entire backpack to make a difference. We gladly accept individual supplies, completed backpacks, and financial donations that help us purchase needed items. If you're not sure where to begin, our Amazon Wish List is a great place to see what we currently need.

Interested in serving with your family, church, school, or business? We'd love to hear from you about organizing a donation drive or group packing project.

OFH is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization.

Amazon Wish list

All contributions to Our Father’s Hope, Inc. are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

  • No! You don’t have to create and fill and entire backpack to donate. We take single donations from our compiled list above.

    • A sturdy backpack

    • Pajamas in the chosen size

    • An age-appropriate blanket (no larger than 5 × 6 feet)

    • Toiletries appropriate for the child's age

    • A stuffed animal

    • A flashlight, or a nightlight (for pajama sizes 3T and smaller)

    Optional: socks, underwear, books, toys, games, school supplies, and seasonal accessories.

  • We work directly with local Children and Youth Services (CYS) agencies to provide backpacks filled with essential items and comforting belongings. Typically, these agencies have backpacks from Our Father’s Hope on hand so that when a child enters foster care, they can receive one before heading to their first placement home. Our hope is to provide a little comfort and reassurance during what can be a difficult and unfamiliar transition.

  • Yes! We do accept gently used items.

  • You can find our complete list of drop-off locations here!

  • Absolutely! We love partnering with groups looking for service projects or areas to serve!

Donation Drop-Off Locations

The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop
130 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg

Kingdom Focused Financial
124 W Harrisburg St, Dillsburg

Strock Enterprises, Inc.
729 Williams Grove Rd, Mechanicsburg

Country Clipper
3365 Rosstown Rd, Wellsville

Or email ofh4kids@gmail.com