The Hemlock Barn's Annual Backpack Drive

The leaves are changing colours, and the weather is getting colder by the day! We are still feeling the repercussions of the last couple of years, but together we have carried on and made it to today. With Christmas around the corner, we are taking the time to be thankful for being here, and give back to the community!

For the last two years we have done a backpack drive in the fall where we ask for donations of essential items to fill up backpacks with. For every backpack we fill, we will match it with a hot meal for whomever receives the backpack! We bring the backpacks to House of Friendship, OneRoof, and YW Shelter.

We are aiming to get at least 300 backpacks filled! Items we are looking for include:

    Items for the cold:

• Hats
• Gloves
• Hot Paws (hands and feet)
• Socks

        Lunch Bags with:

• Cup-a-Soup
• Granola bars
• Hot chocolate
• Candies/snacks
• Water bottle

       Toiletries (travel sized!)

• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Comb
• Hair brush
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Deodorant
• Chapstick 
• Hand cream
• Razor/shaving cream
• Tampons/pads
• Hand sanitizer

If purchasing a backpack, please look for strong, durable backpacks! All items and backpacks can be brought directly to Hemlock.

If you own or work at a restaurant, know of any other restaurants who would like to participate in making the meals, or if you would like to get involved with the backpack drive, please reach out to us!

Want to get involved?