Local churches fill hundreds of backpacks for kids in need

Local volunteers packed more than 650 backpacks in a UHaul truck Friday morning to be sent to children in need.

The effort began in early August throughout churches in the Habersham Baptist Association and resulted in the truckload of backpacks for less-fortunate children in West Virginia.

The bags contain food, school supplies, clothing and some small toys. They are color-coded with ribbons by age and gender.

“This is a very destitute area, and these bags go right to the schools up there where they can help kids the most,” volunteer coordinator Phil Watson said.

The idea grew out of Operation Christmas Child’s Samaritan’s Purse, which sends shoeboxes full of items to boys and girls around the world. That operation was started by Edward Graham, a son of The Rev. Billy Graham.

“A Georgia woman saw the need for them to be used in the United States, and she asked if some could be diverted here and she was told no,” said volunteer Mary Ann Ellington. “So they decided to take it up a notch and fill backpacks.”

Watson said he has looked into getting a backpack effort for local kids that he hopes to get off the ground in the future.