Sharing the Joy of Christmas: CKNB Once Again Partnering with Kentucky Baptist Convention Christmas Backpack Drive

It may still be summer, but Christmas isn't far away! As the holiday season approaches, churches and ministry partners across the state are once again gearing up for one of the most meaningful compassion initiatives of the year—the Kentucky Baptist Convention Christmas Backpack Drive. And right here in the Central Kentucky Network of Baptists, we’re excited to do our part to make this year’s drive the biggest and most impactful yet.

Each year, Kentucky Baptists unite to bless children in need with backpacks filled with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, food, and the message of Christ’s love. For many of these children, this backpack may be the only gift they receive this Christmas.

With 35% of Kentucky’s children living in single-parent homes, and countless others facing economic hardships, this ministry is a lifeline of both material and spiritual encouragement. Many of the backpacks collected will be distributed throughout impoverished communities across Kentucky, while others will be sent to bless children in our partner SEND City—Cincinnati, Ohio.

This year, the goal is ambitious but within reach: collecting more than 10,000 backpacks statewide! That’s 10,000 opportunities to show God’s love in tangible ways and plant seeds of hope during the Christmas season.

As Hebrews 13:16 reminds us:

“Let’s not neglect to do good and share what we have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

How You Can Get Involved:

• Pack a backpack as a small group, family, or church.

• Collect supplies and donate in bulk for others to pack.

• Pray for the children who will receive the backpacks, and for the churches and volunteers distributing them.

Here in Central Kentucky, Grace Baptist Church in Lexington will serve as the official collection and drop-off site for our associational area. Churches can bring their completed backpacks there during the designated drop-off window (dates and times TBA).

For local logistics and questions about collection, please contact Pam Polkey, CKNB Compassion Ministries Specialist. For statewide questions or additional resources, contact the KBC Missions Mobilization Team at (502) 489-3530 or missions@kybaptist.org.

Let’s work together to make sure every backpack represents not just a Christmas gift, but a message: You are seen, loved, and not forgotten. Let’s exceed the goal and be a light to children and families in Kentucky and beyond this Christmas season.