Local Boy Scout Making ‘Survival Backpacks’ For Homeless Vets

WAYNE, NJ – A local Boy Scout is working to create more than two dozen “survival backpacks” to help homeless veterans that live in the Tri-State area.

Nick Apa, a member of Troop 192, is working with a veteran-owned, Verona-based charity, Back Packs For Life as part of his Eagle Scout Project. The teen is collecting toiletries, as well as raising funds, to support the effort.

On the project's GoFundMe page, Apa said his goal is to assist homeless veterans "in living a healthier and safer life while they wait to get the help they truly deserve."

"My project will not solve the homeless problem with our veterans. What it will do is provide hope and a sense that someone out there does care about them and appreciates the sacrifices they made," the teen wrote. "My goal is to supply a minimum of 50 backpacks for a Stand Down Event to be held on October 12th in Newark NJ, with an expected attendance of 500 veterans."

Checks can also be made out to Troop 192 and mailed to Nick Apa, 42 Marlton Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470. Donations can also be done online via Apa’s GoFundMe page.

The following items may be dropped off at collection boxes set up at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 588 County Road 504, Wayne, NJ.

• Gallon size freezer bags
• Personal size first aid kits
• Anti-bacterial ointment
• Shampoo and conditioner (sized to fit into gallon freezer bag)
• Body wash/bar soap (sized to fit into gallon freezer bag)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Body wipes
• Deodorant
• Body lotion (sized to fit into gallon freezer bag)
• Body powder
• Sunblock
• Hand sanitizer
• Shaving cream
• Disposable razor
• Nail clippers
• Lip balm
• Hair brush
• Washcloth
• Microfiber towel
• Emergency blanket (thermal shielding)
• Hand warmers
• Foot warmers
• Knit hat
• Gloves
• Rain poncho
• Mini flashlight
• Notebook
• Pen

"For my entire life our country has asked the men and women in our armed services to protect our country from terrorism," Apa said. "As we should, we praise and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. However, we often forget about the veterans who are having trouble working their way back into society, many of which are homeless."