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Backpack Outreach
Back-to-School In NYC
Community Outreach & Urban Ministry Experience
The Back to School Backpack Outreach is a community-centered urban ministry outreach in New York City, partnering with inner-city pastors and local churches to serve children and families in underserved communities.
2026:
August 7-9
August 14-16
August 21-23
August 28-30
2 nights — $261 Per Person
2027:
August 6-8
August 13-15
August 21-23
August 28-30
2 nights — $272 Per Person
What Is
Back-to-School Backpack Outreach
Through the distribution of over 1,000 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies, this outreach helps students start the school year prepared and confident—while easing the financial burden on families. Each backpack is given with dignity and care, serving as a tangible expression of God’s love to children across NYC.
Beyond the backpack giveaway, this outreach creates a joyful, family-focused environment where children and parents experience encouragement, connection, and spiritual support. Through worship music, interactive activities, and one-on-one ministry, families encounter the love of Christ in both practical and meaningful ways.
What is involved in this outreach?
- Friday (Arrival Day): ): Check-in, orientation, dinner, followed by a homeless outreach. The evening begins with worship, orientation, and encouragement before heading out.
- Saturday (Daytime): Full-day Back to School Backpack Outreach serving children and families across NYC.
- Saturday (Evening): Additional homeless outreach following a time of worship and preparation.
- Sunday (Departure Day): Breakfast, followed by departure or the option to attend a local NYC church service.
What You’ll Experience at NYSUM's
Backpack Outreach
During Back-to-School Backpack Outreach, participants will experience:
Serving hot meals and essential resources through our Mobile Food Truck
Homeless compassion outreaches (Friday & Saturday nights), including food distribution, prayer, and Gospel conversations
Serving alongside NYC churches and ministry teams
Distributing new backpacks and school supplies to children and families
Engaging with children through games, music, and interactive activities
Assisting in the children’s ministry zone (face painting, balloons, puppets, etc.)
Sharing the Gospel through one-on-one evangelism
Participating in a high-energy, community-centered outreach environment
Seeing families encouraged, supported, and impacted through God’s compassion
This outreach is open to individuals and groups ages 13 and up, including small and large teams looking to participate in urban ministry in New York City.
What Volunteers Can Expect
Key Ministry Features
Homeless Outreach (Friday & Saturday Nights)
Teams serve on the streets of New York City, ministering to individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers distribute food and hygiene kits while taking time to listen, pray, and build personal connections. Through one-on-one conversations, teams share the love of Jesus with those who may feel overlooked—offering dignity, compassion, and hope.
Backpack Giveaway & School Supply Distribution (Saturday)
At the center of this outreach is the distribution of brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies. This practical support helps children prepare for the school year while relieving financial pressure on families. Each child is welcomed, valued, and encouraged—reinforcing their dignity and worth.
Children’s Ministry Zone
A dedicated children’s area includes face painting, balloon animals, games, crafts, music, puppets, and interactive activities. This space creates a safe and joyful environment where children can have fun while experiencing God’s love in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.
Gospel Message & Evangelism
Throughout the outreach weekend, teams have opportunities to engage with children and families through personal conversations, prayer, and Gospel-centered ministry. Prayer stations create space for one-on-one interactions, offering encouragement, support, and meaningful moments of connection.
Mobile Food Truck Outreach
The Mobile Food Truck serves hot meals during both the homeless outreaches and the backpack giveaway event. This outreach meets physical needs while opening the door for conversation, prayer, and relationship-building—demonstrating God’s love in action.
Past Ministry Visits
See some of the amazing times our teams have had visiting.
Why It Matters
Backpack Outreach
The Back to School Backpack Outreach in NYC meets real, practical needs while restoring dignity and hope for families in underserved communities.
For many households, the cost of school supplies can be a significant financial burden. Providing fully stocked backpacks helps remove that barrier—giving children the tools they need to succeed and the confidence to start the school year strong.
Beyond the practical impact, this outreach creates space for something deeper. Families don’t just receive supplies—they experience encouragement, prayer, and genuine care. Through personal interactions and Gospel-centered ministry, many encounter the love of Christ in a meaningful and lasting way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Backpack Outreach.
- Homeless Outreach Nights: Teams may travel by subway, NYSUM vans, or their own vehicles. Some locations are more accessible by subway, while others are easier to reach by car. Transportation is dependent on what has been previously arranged.
- Saturday Outreach: Transportation will typically be either team vans or NYSUM-provided transportation, depending on what has been arranged in advance.
- Our team will guide you on the best transportation option based on your assigned outreach site.
• For the Backpack Outreach, while NYSUM provides the backpacks prefilled with school supplies, volunteers are welcome to bring other small gift items for the children like bracelets, stickers, etc.
For all NYSUM mission trip packages, participants will primarily use public transportation, NYSUM vans (if arranged), or team vehicles depending on the outreach schedule and locations.
Public Transportation Options
- Weekly OMNY Card:
Replaces the previous 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard and provides convenient access to NYC subways and buses throughout the week. - Pay-Per-Ride Option:
- $1 for a new transit card
- $3 per single ride
- Tap-to-Pay (Contactless):
Participants can also use credit/debit cards or mobile devices (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) to tap and pay directly at subway turnstiles and buses.
Important Notes
- Transportation methods may vary depending on outreach locations and prior arrangements
- NYSUM staff will guide each team on the most effective and efficient travel options
- Some outreach sites are more easily accessible by subway, while others may require vans or team vehicles
Have more questions? Call us 718-204-6471
Providing Urban Ministry
NYSUM’s Legacy
Since 1984, the New York School of Urban Ministry has trained more than 50,000 youth and adults in hands-on urban ministry. Each year, NYSUM hosts and deploys over 5,000 participants by partnering with more than 100 inner-city churches and ministries across New York City.
Through initiatives such as mobile food truck ministry, homeless outreach, shelter ministry, street evangelism, and seasonal compassion programs, NYSUM equips mission teams to meet both physical and spiritual needs while strengthening the local church.