North American Mission Board’s Mississippi River Ministry is looking to increase its backpack donations by more than 1,000 in the 2nd annual Christmas Backpacks, and Covington County residents are being encouraged to help..

Last year, the collection of backpacks reached 5,471, and this year they plan to reach at least 6,500.

The idea is to collect backpacks that are filled with gifts for a Christmas present for those who are less fortunate.

“We collect backpacks as donations from people,” said Covington Baptist Association Director of Missions Otis Corbitt. “The backpacks are filled by the donator with gifts of different kinds and different ways to share the gospel. We want to share God’s Love to those who may not have much of a Christmas.”

The gifts inside include items like toys, school supplies, hygiene items, among other things.

For those interested in donating a backpack, here are the instructions on how to assemble one:

• Start with a new, zippered backpack;
• Choose gender and age on tag;
• Fill with new gifts;
• Also include inside each backpack The Christmas Story M.R.M. Mailbox Bible Club postcard;
• Securely fasten tag to the outside of the backpack using string or yarn;
• Pray specifically for the receiving child;
• Take your backpack to the designated collection site.

Locally, the backpacks can be dropped off at the Covington Association Office, 18350 US Hwy. 84, anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday or 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

Boxes will be provided at the collection site.

The collection dates are Oct. 30 through Nov. 3.

If anyone has any questions, please contact Otis Corbitt at 334-222-3009.

Information can also be found at www.alabamaWMU.org/backpacks.