Alternative RR backpack list FINAL 2.26.15

RAPID RESPONSE BACKPACKS General Guidelines for Purchasing Backpack Items
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Backpacks are designed to be gender neutral in color and branding. Therefore, we ask that
items not have gendered colors (e.g., pink, purple), patterns (e.g., hello kitty, trucks), or
labels. Examples of gendered neutral colors include: black, grey, red, orange, yellow,
green, and dark blue.
All items should be brand new. No exceptions.
We ask that items (including journals and teddy bears) not contain any quotes or
messages and be fairly plain (e.g., without a lot of designs or accessories).
Specific dimensions are provided to ensure all items fit in the backpack.
Sharp items should not be purchased (e.g., mirrors, shaving razors, scissors). If these
items are included as part of preassembled toiletry packs, please remove them prior to
turning in the backpack to Love146.
Love 146, PO Box 66253, Houston, TX 77266 979.476.2512 [email protected] RAPID RESPONSE BACKPACKS
Guidelines for Packing the Backpacks
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When packing items, larger items should be placed in the back of the backpack (e.g.,
blanket, books, teddy bear, colored pencils) Smaller items should be placed together in the
forefront of the backpack. If there are side pockets, it is useful to place items such as the
water bottle or rain poncho there.
All tags and prices should be removed prior to placing items inside the backpacks. This
includes tags holding sock and glove pairs together. It is especially important that any
tags or markings specifying a specific gender (e.g., women’s travel kit) be removed.
All items (e.g., blankets, teddy bears) wrapped in plastic should be unwrapped and the
plastic should be discarded prior to placing items inside the backpacks. Note, if toiletry
travel packs come in a plastic carrying case, it is okay to include in the backpack. In
addition, the traveling toilet paper and poncho can remain in their original packaging. The
general rule of thumb is, packaging should remain on items if it is relatively small, and it
protects the item from getting destroyed, wet, or ripped; otherwise, items should
unwrapped so they are ready-to-use.
To help ensure the safety of the youth who will receive the backpack, we ask that careful
attention is paid to ensure that no razors, mirrors, scissors, other sharp items, or large
plastic bags be included. If preassembled toiletry travel kits come with any of these items,
they MUST be removed.
The items in these backpacks have been carefully selected with the input of service
providers and survivors. We ask that no additional items (including personal notes) be
included. If you would like to provide additional items, we ask that these items be
provided separately from the backpacks.
Love 146, PO Box 66253, Houston, TX 77266 979.476.2512 [email protected] Rapid Response Backpack Itemized List
q 1 sturdy backpack (suggested brands
include Jansport and High Sierra)
§ Color – It is suggested that backpacks are
single color (preferably black) without any
pattern.
§ Design – Backpacks should have at least 2
zippered sections; a small side pocket or
two is useful, but not necessary.
§ Dimensions – Approximately 18” h by 12”
w by 8” d (Average school size backpacks).
q 1 set of feminine products (suggested
brands include U by Kotex and Tampax Pearl)
§ Note: sandwich size zip-lock bags should
be purchased and packed with 2-3
tampons and 2-3 pads for each backpack.
These bags should be placed in the front
pocket for easy removal when backpacks
are being distributed to boys.
q 1 drawing pad
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q 1 warm blanket (wool/fleece) (suggested
Blank, unlined pages.
Dimensions – Approximately 8” h by 5” w
brands Rothco)
§ Usually a wool “rescue” blanket is warmest.
§ Dimensions – Approximately 80” h by 60” w
q 1 journal
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Blank, lined pages.
Dimensions – Approximately 7” h by 5” w
q 1 activity book with mazes, word searches,
etc. (suggested brand includes “Brain Games
for Kids,” which can be purchased through
Amazon)
§ Books with a wide variety of activities are
strongly preferred.
§ The larger the targeted age range, the
better (e.g., ages 8-12, ages 7+).
q 1 12-pack of colored pencils (suggested
brands include Crayola)
§ Dimensions – Regular size pencils.
q 1 teddy bear (suggested brands include
Gund, TY, and Melissa & Doug)
§ Dimensions – 6”-10” in length (note,
Beanie Babies are too small).
§ It is important that these teddy bears be
soft so that they can provide comfort.
q 1 silly putty
q 1 stress ball
q 1 pair of socks
q 1 pack of travel size toiletries including
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one of each of the following items: hairbrush
(not a comb), toothbrush, toothpaste,
shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face
cleanser and/or facial cleansing wipes,
deodorant (both male and female), and
chapstick.
§ Items with strong scents and flavors (e.g.,
fruity scents or flavors) should be avoided.
§ Deodorants and body washes should be
gender-neutral or a men and women’s
version should be included.
§ Note: many of these items can often be
purchased together as part of a travel kit.
Dimensions – Approximate size range
should be 6-10 or 8-12.
q 1 pair of gloves (polyester)
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Dimensions – One size fits all stretch
gloves.
q 1 rain poncho
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Dimensions – Adult, one-size-fits-all.
An attached hood is ideal.
q 2 snack/granola/cereal bars (NO NUTS)
(suggested brands include KIND, Nutri-Grain
and Special K)
q 1 travel size hand sanitizer (NON-
q 1 bottle of water
ALCOHOLIC)
Love 146, PO Box 66253, Houston, TX 77266 q 1 travel size toilet paper (suggested brands
include Coghlan) §
Dimensions - 16-17 fluid ounces.
979.476.2512 [email protected]