Love  146,  PO  Box  66253,  Houston,  TX  77266     979.476.2512    texasinfo@love146.org  

RAPID RESPONSE BACKPACKS  

 General Guidelines for Purchasing Backpack Items

§ Backpacks are designed to be gender neutral in color and branding. Therefore, we ask that items not have gendered colors (e.g., pink, purple), patterns (e.g., hello kitty, trucks), or labels. Examples of gendered neutral colors include: black, grey, red, orange, yellow, green, and dark blue.

§ All items should be brand new. No exceptions. § We ask that items (including journals and teddy bears) not contain any quotes or

messages and be fairly plain (e.g., without a lot of designs or accessories). § Specific dimensions are provided to ensure all items fit in the backpack. § Sharp items should not be purchased (e.g., mirrors, shaving razors, scissors). If these

items are included as part of preassembled toiletry packs, please remove them prior to turning in the backpack to Love146.

 

   

Love  146,  PO  Box  66253,  Houston,  TX  77266     979.476.2512    texasinfo@love146.org  

RAPID RESPONSE BACKPACKS

Guidelines for Packing the Backpacks

§ When packing items, larger items should be placed in the back of the backpack (e.g., blanket, books, teddy bear, colored pencils) Smaller items should be placed together in the forefront of the backpack. If there are side pockets, it is useful to place items such as the water bottle or rain poncho there.

§ All tags and prices should be removed prior to placing items inside the backpacks. This includes tags holding sock and glove pairs together. It is especially important that any tags or markings specifying a specific gender (e.g., women’s travel kit) be removed.

§ All items (e.g., blankets, teddy bears) wrapped in plastic should be unwrapped and the plastic should be discarded prior to placing items inside the backpacks. Note, if toiletry travel packs come in a plastic carrying case, it is okay to include in the backpack. In addition, the traveling toilet paper and poncho can remain in their original packaging. The general rule of thumb is, packaging should remain on items if it is relatively small, and it protects the item from getting destroyed, wet, or ripped; otherwise, items should unwrapped so they are ready-to-use.

§ To help ensure the safety of the youth who will receive the backpack, we ask that careful attention is paid to ensure that no razors, mirrors, scissors, other sharp items, or large plastic bags be included. If preassembled toiletry travel kits come with any of these items, they MUST be removed.

§ The items in these backpacks have been carefully selected with the input of service providers and survivors. We ask that no additional items (including personal notes) be included. If you would like to provide additional items, we ask that these items be provided separately from the backpacks.

 

   

Love  146,  PO  Box  66253,  Houston,  TX  77266     979.476.2512    texasinfo@love146.org  

Rapid Response Backpack Itemized List

 q 1 sturdy backpack (suggested brands

include Jansport and High Sierra) § Color – It is suggested that backpacks are

single color (preferably black) without any pattern.

§ Design – Backpacks should have at least 2 zippered sections; a small side pocket or two is useful, but not necessary.

§ Dimensions – Approximately 18” h by 12” w by 8” d (Average school size backpacks).

q 1 drawing pad § Blank, unlined pages. § Dimensions – Approximately 8” h by 5” w

q 1 journal § Blank, lined pages. § Dimensions – Approximately 7” h by 5” w

q 1 12-pack of colored pencils (suggested

brands include Crayola) § Dimensions – Regular size pencils.

q 1 teddy bear (suggested brands include

Gund, TY, and Melissa & Doug) § Dimensions – 6”-10” in length (note,

Beanie Babies are too small). § It is important that these teddy bears be

soft so that they can provide comfort.

q 1 pack of travel size toiletries including one of each of the following items: hairbrush (not a comb), toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cleanser and/or facial cleansing wipes, deodorant (both male and female), and chapstick. § Items with strong scents and flavors (e.g.,

fruity scents or flavors) should be avoided. § Deodorants and body washes should be

gender-neutral or a men and women’s version should be included.

§ Note: many of these items can often be purchased together as part of a travel kit.

q 1 travel size hand sanitizer (NON-

ALCOHOLIC)

q 1 travel size toilet paper (suggested brands include Coghlan)  

q 1 set of feminine products (suggested

brands include U by Kotex and Tampax Pearl) § Note: sandwich size zip-lock bags should

be purchased and packed with 2-3 tampons and 2-3 pads for each backpack. These bags should be placed in the front pocket for easy removal when backpacks are being distributed to boys.

q 1 warm blanket (wool/fleece) (suggested

brands Rothco) § Usually a wool “rescue” blanket is warmest. § Dimensions – Approximately 80” h by 60” w

q 1 activity book with mazes, word searches,

etc. (suggested brand includes “Brain Games for Kids,” which can be purchased through Amazon) § Books with a wide variety of activities are

strongly preferred. § The larger the targeted age range, the

better (e.g., ages 8-12, ages 7+).

q 1 silly putty

q 1 stress ball

q 1 pair of socks § Dimensions – Approximate size range

should be 6-10 or 8-12.

q 1 pair of gloves (polyester) § Dimensions – One size fits all stretch

gloves.

q 1 rain poncho § Dimensions – Adult, one-size-fits-all. § An attached hood is ideal.

q 2 snack/granola/cereal bars (NO NUTS) (suggested brands include KIND, Nutri-Grain and Special K)

q 1 bottle of water

§ Dimensions - 16-17 fluid ounces.