Hope Missions Leads Effort to Distribute Backpacks to Those in Need

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Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Hope Missions of the Upstate is teaming up with other Anderson charities to provide more than 300 backpacks loaded with essentials for our neighbors, friends and family in the community who need help.

Located in downtown Anderson, Hope Missions provides a daily breakfast for the area’s homeless – with the help of local volunteers (who consider themselves servants of the less fortunate) - serving as a warming shelter for Anderson County when the weather turns cold, helping the unhoused find a place to live, and help those in need get their identification paperwork to allow them to get jobs.

The following list contains items these organizations consider useful to someone who might be without a permanent residence. The list is intended to begin collection for the backpacks: baby powder, belts, bibles, blankets, open bus tickets, deodorant, Chapstick, duct tape, energy bars, first aid kits, flashlight with batteries, gloves, hoodies, hand warmers, hygiene kits, ibuprofen (individual 2-packs). laminated wallet-sized bus routes, mints gum, multi-vitamins, nametags, notebook with pen, ponchos, sleeping bags, small wallets, soap, socks (long, winter), sunglasses, sunscreen, toboggan/stocking caps, zip ties, Ziplock bags.

On Dec. 22, 9:30 a.m.-noon, an event to distribute the backpacks is scheduled at First Presbyterian Church. Representatives from other agencies in Anderson involved in this project include: AIM, Alston Wilkes Society, Anderson Observer, AnMed Health, Artisan Fellowship. Asher House, Boulevard Baptist Church, Capstone Church, Central Presbyterian Church, Clean Start, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), FAVOR of the Upstate, Anderson First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, Foothills Community Health Care, Anderson Free Clinic, Grace Episcopal Church, NewSpring Church, Rejuvenate Church, Salvation Army of Anderson, South Main Chapel & Mercy Center,  St John's United Methodist Church (and clothes closet), The Lot Project, United Way of Anderson, Upstate Warrior Solution, Varennes Presbyterian Church, You Turn

For more information or to donate items, money or time to Hope Missions, contact dave@hopeupstate.org