Now in its third year in Barnsley, The Rucksack Project is a worldwide movement that revolves around a simple, but compassionate task to help those that are sleeping rough on our streets through these harsh winter months.

It’s not about grand gestures; it’s not about spending loads of money, or about making a big commitment. It’s about giving up a little of your time, the odd old, unused belonging and some creative thinking to support another individual.

The concept is so simple – get a rucksack and fill it with some items that will help to make winter a little more comfortable for someone who is sleeping rough this winter, these include:

1. A sleeping bag
2. A fleece or warm coat
3. Some thick socks
4. Clean underwear
5. Gloves
6. Wooly hat
7. Some non-perishable food, such as cans of soup (with ring pulls) and cereal bars
8. A thermos flask (please leave this emply as we will fill them up with hot soup on the day as people come to collect them)

You may have items around your home that you no longer need, you may be also be able to find some good bargains in charity shops, and pound stores.

On Saturday 19th December at mid-day please come along, with any and all belongings you wish to donate, to the Barnsley Churches Drop In Project (John Street – which is over the road from Morrisons) at our BIG handout, where you can be a BIG part of getting packs of donations to someone who is truly in need of your help. If you can’t attend on this date, you are welcome to bring donations down to one of our drop-off points beforehand so that a pack can be put together and handed out on your behalf.

Please spread the word – get your friends and family involved, share this on your time line and invite people to the group. Facebook is a great way to spread the message far and wide, so please tell your FB friends what you’re doing and why. Tell your community and sports groups about it, if you’ve got kids, see if you can get the school involved. AND let us know what you’re doing. Upload pictures and videos of you collecting or packing up your donations, by yourself or in a group.

You will find the ‘Dear Police Officer’ slip and ‘Rucksack Contents Guide’ can be found in the photos section along with a quick do’s and don’ts guide, graphics, leaflet an posters for you to print and so on.

You will find all the information that you need on this page including useful “factsheets” (e.g. do’s and don’ts) in the photos, and I will do our best to answer any additional questions.

Here is a short film, which may provide a greater background to the project –
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151362465075873

Please also take the time to visit and like the main Rucksack Project Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/rucksackproject

Current official Drop Off Points:

Barnsley FC (Mon-Fri 9-5pm, Sat 10-12:30pm)
Academy/Community Trust building
(top of Grove St, through large metal gates then immediately on left)
Please take your bags of donations to reception and BFC staff will be more than happy to help

Liddys Solicitors (Mon-Fri 9-5pm)
Old Courthouse, 12 Regent St
Enter through the main big doors on Regent Street and speak to a member of staff who will show you where all the donations are being stored

J Rotherham Memorials (Mon-Fri 8:30-3pm)
92 Doncaster Road – the corner of Oakwell Lane (parking at the rear of the shop)
Speak to any member of staff to handover your donations

YMCA (Sat 9 – 12 noon)
Blucher Street (near the main Post Office)
Head up the stairs and ask for Katie

Sekinah Muddy Paws (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 10-2pm, Weds & Sat 10-6pm)
Unit 5 Carlton Road S71 3HX

MayJay Carpets & Flooring (Mon-Fri 9-5pm, Sat 10-4pm)
116 Brampton Road
Brampton Bierlow S63 6AW