It’s backpack time again at Daily Bread, and we hope that many of you take this opportunity to be Santa this year and provide a bit of Christmas to one of our guests. We will celebrate the holidays by giving filled backpacks to the men and women who are our guests at lunch. The men and women we see daily are rarely remembered at Christmas. For many, these backpacks will be their only presents.

Backpacks will be given away on Friday, December 14, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Last year we gave away over 800 backpacks. We’re assuming that we will need that many or more this year.

Backpacks should be stuffed with toiletries such as deodorant, hand lotion for hands chapped by the cold, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, etc. Cold weather items such as gloves, hats, scarves, socks, sweatshirts, tee shirts, long underwear, and regular underwear are especially appreciated. Other items could include hand warmers, cough drops, books, decks of cards, small fleece blankets, candy, gum, and food items. Since the backpacks are a Christmas gift, all items should be new. All backpacks should be new or nearly new as well. In the past we have found used clothes in packs, which we donate to Goodwill.

All backpacks should be labeled with the gender and size of the recipient (i.e., Man-XXL, Woman XL). We found last year that most of our guests requested at least a size Large; most preferred XL. There is also a need for some 2X and 3X bags. We will NOT be giving out children’s backpacks this year.

Filled backpacks can be dropped off beginning Monday, Dec. 3. Backpacks can be dropped off at Daily Bread, 116 N. First Street, Champaign, during the week from 9 a.m. to 12 P.M. Please use the back door on the alley when dropping off backpacks.

Backpacks can also be dropped off at Ellen Harms’ (705 S. Elm Blvd. 356-2551) at Pam Hagle’s (713 S. Elm Blvd. 359-3245) or at Ruthann Evans’ (4414 Crossgate Dr. 398-5687). Tax forms will be available.

We are also happy to accept empty backpacks and also items to fill backpacks.

Filling one or more backpacks can be a wonderful holiday project for a family, grandparents, a scout troop, social club, tennis group, neighborhood friends, book clubs, etc.