Georgia Baptist gives thousands of backpacks to children

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Georgia Baptist is giving thousands of backpacks to children in Appalachia.

The organization is collecting backpacks through Tuesday at Ingleside Baptist Church.

This is the third year of collection, and last year 21,808 backpacks were donated.

“Inside the backpacks you’ll find caned food, toys, clothes, a bible and things that relates to children’s needs,” Backpack drive director Frank Nuckolls. “We are doing this for impoverished children, so they will have a nice Christmas.”

Appalachian Regional Ministries missionary Bill Barker says poverty is very high in the region and that he had requests of 27,000 backpacks this year.

So far this year, Georgia Baptist has been given 14,000 backpacks, but Nuckolls says they expect many more.

If you would like to donate, go to Ingleside Church at 834 Wimbish Road or call (404) 277-2283.