Backpack 4 SA Kids is seeking $20,000 to fund 285 brand-new teen clothing packs at $70 each for inclusion in the Backpacks program. Teen clothing is regularly in short supply for fulfilling provision of our Backpacks. It is an unfortunate reality that Backpacks 4 SA Kids receive less donations of clothing suitable for teens due ...
Backpacks 4 SA Kids Incorporated
Backpacks Program – Teen Clothing
GOAL
$20,000
Australia > SA > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Individual/family services and support
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Young people (6-25)
Backpacks 4 SA Kids Incorporated
Backpacks 4 SA Kids commenced in 2012 with the objective to support children facing displacement from their home with the provision of a Backpack of essential items, such as pyjamas, toiletries, toys, and basic clothing. In recent years, programs have expanded into provision of Anchor Packs and Home Starter Packs.
We provide three main services:
- Backpacks – for children at times of emergency displacement, to help relieve the stress and anxiety they face when removed from their family in traumatic situations.
- Anchor Packs – Provide young people (12-25 years) experiencing homelessness with emergency tangible items including weather protection, personal hygiene, a sleeping bag and pillow.
- Home Starter Packs – supporting families who are starting again after being affected by domestic violence, homelessness or aging out of foster care arrangements. We provide essential new items for establishing a home, including kitchenware, basic appliances, and bed linen.
Backpacks 4 SA Kids operates through engagement with the South Australian community who donate significant funds, goods, and their time, along with corporate organisations providing funds, participating in donation drives and volunteering. Despite this, ongoing program funding is sought to ensure Backpacks 4 SA Kids may continue delivery of emergency relief to children and families.
In 2025 Backpacks 4 SA Kids distributed – 5336 Backpacks, 612 Home Starter Packs and 454 Anchor Packs. Since inception over 113,000 kids have been supported.
Project Summary
Backpack 4 SA Kids is seeking $20,000 to fund 285 brand-new teen clothing packs at $70 each for inclusion in the Backpacks program.
Teen clothing is regularly in short supply for fulfilling provision of our Backpacks. It is an unfortunate reality that Backpacks 4 SA Kids receive less donations of clothing suitable for teens due to the higher cost of larger sized clothing, and in some cases need to use adult sized clothing to meet the needs of displaced young people.
This funding would support the purchase of teen clothing stock required for our Backpacks to supplement donated goods and ensure fully stocked backpacks are provided in a timely manner to crisis response agencies. The funds will be expended on essential clothing sets, pyjamas, underwear and socks in sizes and gender as demanded by our partner agencies.
Project Outcomes
Teen clothing requires constant funding as only brand-new clothing is provided in this age category. This is an important factor to support self-esteem for traumatised youth. We know from recipients, foster carers and case worker feedback that basic new clothing is highly valued by teens and reinforces the crucial concept that the community cares for them.
We know the items included in our backpacks are highly valued by recipients displaced and suffering trauma as they are not shared but belong to the young person, to be taken with them wherever their placement is assigned. This sense of having their own things becomes vitally important in the circumstances.
In compiling the contents of our Backpacks, we engage with frontline agencies and gain regular feedback to confirm or update our program delivery as required.
We have learnt that in some circumstances the toys and new clothes may be the most critical items to a child. In situations where Department of Child Protection (DCP) officers seek engagement with a traumatised child, a soft toy and colouring pages are highly valued to provide gentle distraction. For other children new underwear and a toothbrush of their own are a welcome luxury.
For teens new clothing and toiletries are important for self-esteem and the ability to fit in.
The ultimate goal for our program is to have engaged teenagers feel valued; essentially leading to a cohort of recipients who will have a higher opportunity to thrive and be a cherished member of the community.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $50,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding gap | $20,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Teen clothing packs | $20,000 |
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