Backpack Challenge

For the past five years, the Homeless Memorial Blanket initiative has gathered people together on December 21 - the longest, darkest night of the year - to remember lives lost, honor human dignity, and respond with compassion to those experiencing homelessness Each year hundreds of handmade blankets are created and shared with people who need warmth.

This year the ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod is encouraging congregations to participate in the Backpack Challenge.  Each backpack will have a list of times that could be included; however, Synod invites all of us to start with one question: “If I suddenly lost my home, what would I hope I could carry on my back?”. Maybe it’s warm socks, granola bars, hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle, a fast-food gift card, basic pain relievers, a can opener, gloves, toiletries and perhaps most importantly zip lock bags. Because when your important papers - your birth certificate, Social Security card, or identification - are exposed to rain and weather, something as simple as a bag can protect what little stability remains. This year’s backpack challenge is a one-time initiative, and we hope you will help Grace participate.

Bags are in the Library.  Please return to the conference room by Sunday, September 27, 2026.