Give money
Your gift buys what donated items don't cover: specific sizes, winter gear and gift cards for food.
Donate →How to help
Here's how you can help
You can give money, shop the packing list, host a drive or spend an evening packing. Pick what works for you. Every bit of it ends up on a child's back.
Five ways in
Choose how you give
Shop the packing list
Pick up a few things from the packing list below and drop them off by December 9. You don't need to pack a whole bag. Our volunteers pack every backpack together at the end of the giving season.
See the list →Host a drive
Collect items at your business, school, team or church for a few weeks before December 9. We give you the list and pick up what you gather.
Plan a drive →Volunteer
Help sort donations, fill packs, write notes or make deliveries. Packing nights are friendly and take about two hours.
Sign up →Spread the word
Tell a friend, share our posts, or ask your employer about matching gifts. More neighbors means more packs.
Tell a friend →The packing list
What to shop for
You don't need to fill a whole bag. Pick up a few things from the list and drop them off. Our volunteers sort everything and pack the bags together at the end of the giving season.
Shop for these
A sturdy backpack or duffel, new or gently used
Three or more pairs of warm socks
A knit hat and a pair of gloves
A fleece blanket, rolled tight
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and travel shampoo
Lip balm and lotion for dry winter air
Snacks that keep: granola bars, jerky, trail mix
Gift cards for food or a haircut
A short handwritten note
Please skip
Used socks or underwear
Homemade food
Glass bottles or jars
Anything too heavy to carry all day
Gift cards and a note make a pack feel personal. Sandwich shops, grocery stores and haircuts are favorites.
Dropping off
Drop off by December 9 to make this season's packs.
Drop off donated items at any of these Bozeman locations:
Ambient Air Solutions, 3340 Prince Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718
Edward Jones (any Bozeman location)
Stix Yarn Shop, 821 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715
For a large donation, call 406-580-8692 and we will set a time.
Arrange a drop-off →Give money
A gift goes straight into packs
Donated items cover a lot. Money covers the rest: the size 14 boots, the extra gloves, the grocery card for a child who is feeding themselves.
Give the way that is easiest for you.
Donations received by December 9 go into this winter's packs.
Montana Backpack Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 33-1427122. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Many employers match their employees' gifts. Ask your HR team, or search for Montana Backpack Project or EIN 33-1427122 in your company's giving portal.
Venmo
Quick gifts from your phone. Add "backpacks" in the note.
Directly @ Stockman Bank
Financial donations for the Montana Backpack Project can be made directly through Stockman Bank by contributing to The Montana Backpack Project account.
Check by mail
Payable to Montana Backpack Project
PO Box 11086
Bozeman, MT 59719
Host a drive
Hygiene supplies are a great place to start
A hygiene drive is the easiest drive to run. Set out a bin for deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and lip balm, send one email to your team or class, and watch it fill. Travel sizes fit a pack best. One office drive can stock a whole season of packs.