On December 18, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Backpacks of Hope will distribute backpacks to the homeless at The Rescue Mission (301 W.Superior St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802). The media is invited to attend.

Backpacks of Hope was founded by Shelley Septer, mother of the late John “Zachery” Septer, who passed away in December of 2011. 2015 will mark the fourth year for the Backpacks of Hope distribution at The Rescue Mission.

“Zachery had an unconditional love for others and strong faith in God. About a year before his death he decided he wanted to spend time with the homeless. He started eating and sleeping with the homeless and befriending people in need. I was worried for his safety, but he was determined to show them love, hope and faith. After he passed, our family wanted to continue his legacy, and we asked if we could pay if forward and put backpacks together and give them out before Christmas,” says Shelley Septer, Backpacks of Hope Founder.

Through the support of many private donors, churches and businesses, including Kelley Automotive Group, over 600 backpacks have been assembled. The backpacks contain essential items like hats, gloves, socks, blankets, hygiene items, and nonperishable food items. Specially prepared backpacks will be available for men, women and children.

For more information about Backpacks of Hope, please visit richard.