The team at Backpacks 4 SA Kids is working to put a smile back on the faces of those children who are missing out.

Every year the team of four people, supported by 1400 volunteers, gives children backpacks filled with toys, books, clothes and more.

Their Christmas program provides two new toys for each child, aged up to 18 years old.

Backpacks 4 SA Kids Founder and General Manager, Rachael Zaltron, says the Christmas drive focuses on children who have never received presents.

“Last year, we provided support for just over 7000 kids,” Ms Zaltron says. “This works out to be around 14,000 toys, which is overwhelming really.”

According to Ms Zaltron, children can feel like they don’t receive presents because they’ve done something wrong and ended up on Santa’s naughty list.

“This is about reminding kids that Christmas can be fun and joyful,” she says. “By giving them a handmade Santa sack, they’ve got a keepsake to let them know that this is a happy time.”

“It’s really important to make Christmas feel special to them.”

You can drop off gifts at any RAA Shop or the Mile End headquarters until 15 December. Backpack 4 SA Kids has also established 34 drop-off points across South Australia.

Santa sacks

Handy with a sewing machine?

Great! Because we’re asking RAA members to donate their time and skills to make Christmas extra special for kids in need.

By making Santa sacks using the pattern below, you can help make the big day even more merry. If you can do that, we will ensure that Father Christmas delivers their presents in these beautiful handmade sacks.

Hey, why not make your own while you’re at it?

• Step 1:
  Cut fabric of choice to size.
  Small: 45x71cm
  Medium: 55x81cm
  Large: 60x90cm
  Extra large: 65x100cm
• Step 2:
  Fold the fabric, short-edge to short-edge, with the pattern side facing each other.
• Step 3:
  Sew the short-edge and bottom of the fabric to create with a 1cm seam. You should end up with a sack shape, keeping the top open.
• Step 4:
  Keeping the sack inside-out, fold the open edge down 4cm and sew the top hem.
• Step 5:
  Turn the sack out so the right side of the fabric is facing out. Now, you should have all your seams tucked away tidily inside.
• Step 7:
  Sew your chosen cord or ribbon to the side of the sack (opposite side to sewn side-seam) to secure it in place. Alternatively, you can thread it through the 4cm seam. Well done. You’ve now been promoted to Santa’s helper.

Click to download the patterns for Backpacks 4 SA Kids Santa sacks here.