Please try to put one of each item into the backpack. We want the backpacks to be as uniform as possible. For shipping purposes, include a list attached to the outside of the backpack, so the shipper knows what it contains; see tag below. Include the gender and age range on the tag. The tags can be printed on shipping labels or on paper that is taped on to the backpack. Try to keep the backpacks as light as possible. They don’t need to be totally stuffed.
- Child Sized Backpack (Please, no drawstring bags)
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Bar Soap in Travel Soap Holder
- Wash Cloth & Hand Towel in Zip Lock Bag
- Comb and/or Hairbrush
- Socks
- Soft Blanket
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Small LED Flashlight
- Package of 8-16 Crayons OR a package of 8 Markers
- Coloring Book or Small Pad of Drawing Paper
- Small Plush Animal, no larger than a Beanie Baby, placed in zip lock bag with a poem attached to the bag
- Small Bag of Hard Candy, such as Werther’s or Life Savers
- Card - see instructions below
Card Instructions
Each backpack should include a card for the recipient. The card can be either handmade, computer-generated, or purchased. What’s important is that a message of hope and caring be incorporated somewhere on the card. There are plenty of graphics of the Ukrainian Flag and sunflowers (their national flower) online.
Also, when signing the card, please be sure that the girl indicates she is a Girl Scout and her troop number. For girls who are a little older, they should also put the Council’s name on the card, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, so the recipients know where the backpacks originated.
Another option would be for the leader, especially for a troop of
younger girls, to generate a computer message that the girls can paste
onto the card. And just so you know, Microsoft does have Ukrainian in
its “Translate Selected Text”, which is under “Review” on the tool
bar.
How to Assemble the Backpack
Large pocket
- Blanket
- Wash Cloth, Hand Towel, and Socks in Zip Lock Bag
- Art Supplies: coloring book with crayons or sketch pad with markers or colored pencils
- Flashlight
- Small Plush Animal in Zip Lock
- Bag of Candy
- Card
Front pocket
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Comb and/or Hair Brush
- Bar Soap in Travel Soap Holder
Side pocket
- Refillable water bottle