If I make a donation, where does my money go?

We are 100% donation driven, whether it be material or monetary donations. In order to make the largest impact, 100% of the proceeds go directly to those in need. We accept gently used or new items. Monetary donations are not handed out, but are used to purchase missing or additional supplies so that each backpack is filled the same amount.

What items are included in the backpacks?

We include a variety of items in each backpack in order to not only address seasonal issues, but instill a sense of pride in our recipients. Every backpack is sized consistently throughout, and includes:

- sweatshirt

- t-shirt

- hat

- gloves/mittens

- scarf

- poncho

- 2 pairs of long socks

- pair of thermal socks

- blanket

- shampoo

- conditioner

- body wash/bar of soap

- hand sanitizer

- deodorant

- 2 packs of handwarmers

- toothbrush

- toothpaste

- toothbrush cap

- comb

- washcloth

- lotion

- chapstick

- tissues

- q-tips

- band-aids

- waterbottles

- emergency blanket

- a laminated resource sheet outlining legal, mental and physical health, housing, shower, laundry, and food resources throughout the city

Dependent on donations, each backpack may also receive items such as sunglasses, floss, thin gloves, mouth wash, wet wipes, earmuffs, short socks, etc.

Due to COVID-19, this year we plan to include both reusable and disposable face masks, and increase the amount of hand sanitizer we include. We also to include a laminated resource sheet regarding free COVID-19 testing throughout the city.

What does the name of your organization mean?

Our project began in 2015 after the passing of Richard S. Marks, who was the grandfather of each board member. In order to best honor him and his memory we wanted to bring about a positive impact in his name. We package and deliver each of our packs into sturdy backpacks so that the bundle is easy to carry, durable, and compact. Thus, the name "Marks Backpacks" was chosen to represent our mission.