Ryan’s “Care” Projects: How *Clearance* Backpacks Can Make a Difference

Seize every opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the moments that delight your Father’s heart. Hebrews 13:16

Friend, it only takes one devastating blow in life to end up in a much different place. One unexpected diagnosis. One ill-timed layoff. One catastrophic storm. One life-shattering event. It only takes one.

In our season of blessings, it is so incredibly important to look around and reach out our hands to help others who are in their seasons of need. We are all God’s children, called to be the hands, heart, and feet of Jesus in all places and spaces. We are called to serve and most importantly, we are called to love.

That is why we created the “Care Backpack” project.

For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me drink. When I had no place to stay, you invited me in, and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. Matthew 25:35 TPT

Our heartfelt hope in this project was that we would be able to use this idea in our own home to give a little piece of love and encouragement to those in need. We know that it won’t fulfill all of their needs, but here’s the thing: If it can fill their hearts and bring joy, hope, and even a small bit of provisions, just for a moment, then we feel that it has been successful. Why? Because love and kindness, in a world that can sometimes feel anything but, can and will do amazing things.

Love heals.

Love lifts.

Love holds.

And love carries life.

Love is what we were created to do. It is the one gift that points straight back to our Father. And love is what we hope to share with Ryan’s “Care Backpacks.”

If you have your own love extended project that you are working on and would like to share it with us, please drop it in the comments! And if you would like to create your own “Care Backpack,” we have provided some of our best suggestions for fillers below!

Happy packing, friends! May your love create a ripple effect, your light grow into a beacon of hope, and your joy become beautifully overflowing and contagious.

Here’s the challenge that we have continued to come back to with this project. We hope it inspires you as much as it has continued to inspire us:

Be the One that notices. Be the One that cares. Be the One that walks straight into the storm with just one focus: To encourage and uplift. Be the One that looks past the symptoms, past the mistakes, and past the judgement. Be the One that cares for the child that they were, and still are. Be the One that sees them the way that the Father does. Be more like Jesus. Be the One.

What You’ll Need to Make Ryan’s “Care” Backpacks:

Backpack (Per our video above, we picked up several backpacks on CLEARANCE from Walmart, ranging from $4-$6. All of the examples used for this post and video were Reebok brand. We bought a year’s worth of backpacks up front, but plan to fill three backpacks per month with supplies. We will not be stuffing all backpacks at once due to 1) budget, and 2) food expiration dates.)

Food Suggestions: We included single serving items that could be easily thrown into a microwave at a gas station, such as Maruchan Ramen cups and macaroni & cheese cups. We also included single serving fruit cups and vegetable cups that were easy to open and go. Vienna sausages make an easy protein source, as well as to-go packages of tuna or chicken, and JIF single serving peanut butter. For the sweet tooth, we included oatmeal creme pies and a small variety bag of candies.

Essentials: We included a headlamp, a set of plastic re-usable utensils, a survival blanket (that seconds as a tarp – this was a more heavy-duty option than the less expensive alternative), a small blanket, socks, travel pack of toothbrush and toothpaste, utility lighter, flushable wipes, and some hand warmers.

Other Options Not Included: Chapstick, soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, warm hat/beanie, gloves, and more.

Don’t forget that you can also throw in a hand-written card for some extra love!