Hope Missions of the Upstate is collecting supplies to help the homeless during the winter months

As winter approaches in South Carolina, it is critical to provide warmth and comfort to those without shelter.

Even South Carolina temperatures can be dangerous for those without proper shelter and clothing. Exposure to the elements can lead to health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Hope Missions of the Upstate in Anderson, located at 213 S. Towers St., is working to support the homeless community through the 2024 Backpack Drive.

The nonprofit is collecting essentials such as toiletries, snacks, socks and other items to provide warmth and comfort.

Donating warm blankets, thermal clothing and hygiene products can ensure that homeless people have the necessary resources to stay safe during the colder months.

Dave Phillips, executive director of Hope Missions Upstate, said all donated items directly support people experiencing homelessness.

The inventory list for the backpack giveaway is available at this link.

Here is a list of items Hope Mission of the Upstate is looking for.

Items for the Backpack Drive

• Local bus tickets (4 each)

• Socks (long, winter weight, men)

• Sled, hat, stocking caps

• Plasters in travel cases (200 needed)

Hope Missions of the Upstate needs 300 of each item to fill all backpacks.

“This ensures that anyone who receives a backpack has consistent supplies to get them through the winter,” Phillips said. “Last year we received fantastic support and were able to distribute approximately 300 backpacks to those served by HOPE Missions: The LOT Project, Asher House and South Main Chapel and Mercy Center.”

Here is a completed list of collected items.

2024 completed backpack list

• Blankets: 300 from West Point Home

• Flashlights: 300 from Clean Start

• Large bars of soap from HOPE Missions

• Toothbrushes from HOPE Missions

• Antiseptic towelettes from HOPE Missions

• Cough drops from Susan Baker

• Chapstick by Brittany Cline

• Flashlights: 30 from Sherry Martin

• Ponchos: 20 from Ray and Kristi Huskey

• Ibuprofen Tablets: 300 from Marisa Hall

• First aid kits (12) by an anonymous donor

First Presbyterian church to host a backpacking drive

The Hope Mission 2024 Backpack Drive will be held on Monday, December 23, at First Presbyterian Church’s Family Life Center (a facility the size of a basketball court).

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 9:30 am to help with set-up. The event ends around 11:30 a.m. as people experiencing homelessness fill their backpacks with winter essentials.

Phillips said anyone interested in volunteering can contact him at 864-359-2396, his cell phone at 703-398-9471, or visit their office at 213 S. Towers St.

Volunteers play a vital role in making the event run smoothly, from setting up the venue to assisting individuals in selecting the items needed.

Phillips explained that instead of pre-packing the backpacks, shoppers will escort guests to each station where they can select items to put in their backpacks. Participants receive a backpack and a stamp card at the first station.

“Then, guests can select items at various tables set up around the area and choose the items they want,” Phillips said.

“Based on last year’s experience, we are considering having as many as 15 stations,” he said.

How Hope Missions Upstate backpack drive started

About three years ago, the organization noticed that many organizations were handing out backpacks, allowing individuals to go from one location to another to pick them up, Phillips said. This led Hope Missions to take a more personalized approach by setting up a station where guests can choose the items they need most.

“It all started at a pivotal meeting where we invited several organizations to discuss collaborating on a unique event,” said Phillips.

He explained that the idea was to join forces to provide attendees with various items, such as backpacks filled with essentials. He added that by working together they could offer a wider selection of options and improve the overall experience for everyone involved.

Phillips emphasized that this method respects the dignity of the clients and ensures that they receive the specific supplies they need.

Phillips said since they started this collaborative approach, it has been a great success.

Phillips said they placed a bulk order with HOPE Missions to save money and ensure consistency in the backpacks. The cost per box of 24 backpacks is $354.

Here is a list of how much each sponsor donated.

• 1 case: rejuvenate the church

• 1 case: United Way of Anderson County

• 2 cases: NewSpring Church

• 1 case: Central Presbyterian

• 1 case: South Main Chapel & Mercy Center

• 1 case: Varennes Presbyterian Church

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him by email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: What to know about Hope Missions Upstate winter backpack drive