Operation Christmas Backpack 2020 FAQ
Can I bring children’s items?
This drive specifically focuses on adults in need. Children and youth have opportunities to receive gifts through our Adopt a Family program at the Emergency Shelter. Our adults experiencing persistent homelessness need sturdy, comfortable packs to help them maintain important items like their ID, birth certificate, extra clothes, and other belongings.
Can I add extras to the backpacks?
We try to ensure each person who receives a pack gets the same items. While we would love to give away more, we are trying to be mindful of waste and fairness. If you would like to donate additional items, please do! We do ask with additional donations that you call ahead to verify what our needs list is at the time of your donation.
Do I need to donate a complete backpack?
We love getting complete, wrapped backpacks because that cuts down on the time and resources needed to add missing items. However, we will take any of the items on the list or just backpacks themselves. We do ask with additional donations that you call ahead to verify what our needs list is at the time of your donation.
Can I bring gender-specific items?
In an effort to meet everyone’s needs, please limit items to non-gendered items.
What if I miss the deadline?
Turning the packages in on time helps us ensure we have them under the tree and ready to give on Christmas Day. Please make every effort to have your wrapped gift delivered by December 23.
Won’t this just create a lot of trash for the surrounding neighborhoods?
Our staff and volunteers will work with clients to ensure old worn out materials get discarded at Overflow during the Christmas Day event. We encourage clients on a regular basis to encourage them to dispose of trash in proper locations and our Downtown Ambassadors work to maintain cleanliness and order in the Downtown area. Any new materials given on Christmas that may not be needed by certain individuals can be left on a trading table at Overflow; these items will either be picked up by other participants or saved for future distribution by Shelter staff.
Still have questions?
Give us a call at 319-362-7555 or email development@willisdady.org or denine@willisdady.org