Christmas came early for some families as Mountain of Faith Ministries Saturday morning gave away 1,785 backpacks to area children.

“This is our third year doing this,” said Toni Terrett, vice president of Mountain of Faith’s Board of Directors. “The Mississippi River Ministry has reached out to us again and donated these backpacks. Our first year, we gave out 800 and last year 1,000. This year we’re giving out almost 1,800.”

The backpacks were packed with gifts and other items for the children. Although it was not required, participants were asked to bring toilet paper, paper towels, soap, lotion or toothpaste in exchange for the backpacks to help Mountain of Faith’s homeless shelter.

Terrett said the backpack program is a way to help parents with getting gifts for their children.

“For some parents, Christmas can be a stressful time as they make ends meet and buy gifts for their children. This is one way we can help.”

She said the donations of supplies for the mission’s homeless shelter helps Mountain of Faith reduce its costs to operate the shelter.

The backpack giveaway was set to begin at 9 a.m., but Mountain of Faith executive director Kimberly Smith said people began lining up in at the distribution site in the Vicksburg Mall about 8 a.m. By about 9:45 a.m. the line was out the door of the distribution site and well into the mall. Some of those waiting in line carried several packages of paper towels or toilet paper.

This year’s distribution was Smith’s first as director.

“It is hectic, but it’s been a lot of fun,” she said as she directed volunteers moving boxes of backpacks.

“This is an opportunity for us to help the community and to let the community know that we’re here to help.

“We’re happy to do this for the community, and if we give away all the backpacks, we’ll ask for more next year.”