This Christmas, Watkins Community Church is once again participating in the Christmas Backpack Program, providing backpacks filled with needed items and Christmas gifts for children living throughout the Appalachian regions of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

For many of these children and families, these backpacks are more than Christmas presents. They provide practical items that families genuinely need, while also sharing the Christmas story and the good news of Jesus Christ.

Why Christmas Backpacks?

There are many wonderful opportunities to give during the Christmas season, but one of the things we especially appreciate about the Christmas Backpack Program is its local and tangible impact.

These backpacks serve children and families in communities within our own region of the country, including here in Ohio. We know where the backpacks are going, who they are intended to serve, and that alongside the physical gifts comes an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel.

At Watkins, our mission is to glorify God and make disciples, and we believe useful service is one way we can demonstrate the love of Christ to our neighbors.

Last year, 400 backpacks were sent to children and families through this ministry. This year, we would love to see even more children blessed.

Will You Join Us?

We invite every person and family at Watkins to consider filling a Christmas Backpack this year.

Choose a backpack. Fill it with the requested items. Pray for the child who will receive it. And help us remind children and families throughout Appalachia that they are seen, loved, and most importantly, that there is hope in Jesus Christ.

Let’s make Christmas tangible, one backpack at a time.