Swag Bags FAQs

Christmas in April

A Swag Bag is a Christmas gift of a backpack filled with everything from hygiene products, books, devotionals, school supplies, to fun items like games. These are collected in the Spring because it takes around six months to arrive in Zambia on a shipping container.

See below to find out how Swag Bags work for your specific sponsorship.

Swag Bag Details

Student Sponsorsip

Each Christmas your sponsored child receives a gift of a backpack, which we call a Swag Bag, filled with essentials and goodies. Sponsors are welcome to purchase the backpack and fill it. Items can include everything from hygiene products, books, devotionals, school supplies, to fun items like games. Another option is to fund your child’s Swag Bag for $45, and we will purchase and pack their Swag Bag. Be on the lookout for a flyer in your child’s letter or an email in your inbox!

Graduate Student Sponsorship

Each Christmas our Graduate Students receive a gift of a backpack, which we call a Swag Bag, filled with essentials and goodies. Once our students transition into upper-level schooling, the number of sponsors grows as the cost increases. With many sponsors involved in one student’s life, donating items on the Graduate Student’s wish list is the best way to help make their Christmas extra-special. We will then pack the items into a backpack for them. Please click the link below to view our wishlist.

view grad wishlist

Arise Home Sponsorship

We are beyond blessed that we spend Christmas Day with our Arise Home children and celebrate in person!  They do not receive Swag Bags, however donations for gifts and the big family meal are greatly appreciated. Look for more details closer to December. In addition to the above, purchasing anything from our wish list or funding additional Swag Bags are also two great ways to support our children during the holiday season.

Not A Sponsor?

We still need your help! Please fund a bag for a sponsor who cannot afford the additional cost, or shop our Amazon Wishlist.

shop wishlist

Swag Bag FAQs

Does my child get everything I put in the bag?

We do our best to ensure that your child will get everything to your place in your bag! If there are items in your bag that have multiples, we may pull a couple of the extras to go to a child who wouldn’t otherwise receive a bag. Our staff goes through every swag bag to make sure that the items are appropriate for the child, and we give our best effort to make all children’s swag bags something they will be very excited about!

What goes in a Swag Bag?

Hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, body mist), devotionals, books, school supplies (pencils, notebooks, erasers), games (decks of cards, dominoes), sports equipment (basket balls, soccer balls). Please visit our full list by clicking on this link.

What size of backpack should I get my child?

We recommend adult-size backpacks for secondary school children (Grades 6-12), while any children’s backpack is great for primary school students (Grades K-6). Your purchased bag will more than likely be of a higher quality compared to the ones we buy in bulk. Pack the goodies into the backpack and label it clearly with the child’s name.

What does the $45 cover?

It costs us quite a bit of money to ship these items all the way to Zambia, but your $45 goes a long way. It helps cover the cost of shipping, the physical bag, and the items in the swag bag backpack. If you give more than $45, the excess is used to build bags for students without sponsors, or students whose sponsors did not participate so every student can get a swag bag!

What is a Swag Bag?

A Swag Bag is a Christmas gift of a backpack filled with everything from hygiene products, devotionals, school supplies, to fun items like games.

Do Arise Home children get swag bags?

No. Because we get to spend Christmas with our Arise Home children, they do not receive a Swag Bag. December 25th is a huge day in the home, and we will reach out in December with more information and ways to get involved.

What size is my child?

See below for a clothing size chart for your reference. We suggest assessing their size based on their age. Our Zambian students are incredibly resourceful, and if they receive the wrong size, they’ll gladly trade or swap items until they have the right fit. Also, choosing the larger size if there is a question is always recommended.

Age          Size

> 8            Youth S

9-12          Youth M

13-14         Youth L

15-16         Adult S

16-17         Adult M

17<            Adult L

Dallas Drop Off Location

Waverly & McCord Wilson’s Front Porch
4255 Shorecrest Dr.
Dallas, TX 75209

Fort Worth Drop Off Location

Arise Africa Office
1628 Fairmount Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76104

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