In need of a senior project, two Lehighton High School students caught word of someone looking to give 30 backpacks to a worthy cause.

Amanda Gerstenberg and Robert Berger had just the destination.On Thursday afternoon, the pair, with some help from friend Tina Davis and Lehighton High School paraprofessional Carla Kovach, donated the backpacks and other items to Family Promise of Carbon County.Family Promise is a nonprofit serving homeless and low-income families in the area."We just wanted to do something to give back," Gerstenberg said.In addition to the backpacks, the students added cleaning supplies, a beach towel and toys."I also sent emails to Crayola and Ellen DeGeneres, because I know she likes to help causes like this," Gerstenberg said. "We're hoping to hear back. I know sometimes it can take over a year for these things to come together."Inside the backpacks, the students placed inspirational sayings such as, "mistakes are proof that you're trying," and "never give up on your dreams."The donations are a welcome addition for Family Promise."The kids are always so excited to get something new," said Natalie Bojko, Family Promise director. "A lot of the stuff they get is hand-me-downs, which is great, but for them to get something new like this, it really makes their day."Fitting in is very important to children when they go to school, and Bojko is hopeful the backpacks will help them do just that."Beyond school, a lot of the kids use backpacks at night to take stuff to churches," she said. "Whether we put in a blanket or their favorite stuffed animal, it gives them a place that is safe and they can keep as their own."Donations are coming in pretty steady to Family Promise. As the seasons change, however, Bojko said the organization is looking for summer clothes of any size.Family Promise is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 167 S. Third St. in Lehighton.