Advent Backpack Program
The F.O.O.D. Advent Backpack Project is a church-based initiative that provides Christmas gifts to the patrons of Margaret’s House and several other charities for adults including the St. Vincent de Paul society here in Dartmouth, Among Friends, Adsum Court, St. Leonard Center (Metro Turning Point) and many others.
The Project started in 2004 and since then, the project has flourished and grown. In 2022 this project was able to provide gifts for more than 990 people in need.
Donate Goods
Below is a list of suggested items for inclusion in the backpacks and/or gift bags. Your donation of one or more of these items is greatly appreciated. Please have all donations in by Tuesday, Dec. 14
Blankets
Candy/Chocolate
Nail Clippers
Shaving Cream
Comb & Hairbrush sets
Body Wash
Gloves/Mittens
Breakfast/Granola Bars
Hand Sanitizer/masks
Socks
Umbrellas/Rain ponchos
Soap
Towels/Facecloths
Instant Oatmeal
Scarves/Hats
Flashlights (with batteries)
Water Bottles/Thermal Mugs
Games/ Playing Cards
Razors (Men’s and Ladies’)
Shampoo/ Conditioner
Can Openers
Dishtowels/washcloths
Instant Coffee/Coffee Mate
Deodorant
$5 or $10 Coffee Gift Card
Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
Donate Time
SATURDAY Dec. 16 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
St. Clement Church Hall - 16 Gaston Rd., Dartmouth
We need volunteers of all ages throughout the sorting and filling of backpacks/gift bags to continue to make this project a success. Bring the whole family as children and youth are part of the event connecting family and faith.
1. Sorting: Tables are set up along the walls with labels above them.
2. Gift Bag Sorting: Once the sorting starts, if you’re not working a table, you will be directed to another room which will be full of all the gift bags that were donated.
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LUNCH BREAK
3. Packing Bags: Starting from the end of the room, you will take either a blue (male) or red (female) backpack and walk around the room in a circle to all the tables and the table workers will put the goods from their table in your pack. Once you have reached the end, your full bag will be put in a pile with the others.
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4. Distribution: After all the bags are filled, the main portion of the event is over and the packs will be transported to Margaret House and given out to the people they support at the Christmas dinner they provide.
Any leftover donations will then be sorted by a smaller group of table workers and volunteers into bags and boxes to be given to other local charities.
Photos from Advent Backpack Program 2022
Contact Our Team
Deacon Gordon MacKinnon - Project Coordinator
902-430-5295
Saint Andrew – Sheila Turner
902-229-1134
Saint Clement - Glenda Carson
902-221-3146
Saint John XXIII – Anne James
902-456-9603
Cynthia Bourbonnais – Project Leader
902-430-4262
Michelle Mackinnon – Tables Coordinator
902-329-7266
J. Anthony MacKinnon – Table leader
902-789-6854