Mississippi Life Scout Matthew Wilson, 15, has organized an Eagle Scout project to help South Mississippi foster children.

The Ocean Springs homeschooled student created "Operation Backpack" to collect backpacks, basic toiletries and stuffed animals for children entering foster homes. Wilson's goal is to collect 300 backpacks by August.

"Children in the foster care program do not have to have all of their worldly possessions handed to them in a big, black garbage bag," said Wilson, a member of Boy Scout Troop 271 in Ocean Springs.

"Most of the children picked up by social workers and inserted into foster care are removed from a situation so quickly, or so hazardous, they can only bring the clothes on their backs," he said.

Janet Wilson, mother of the "Operation Backpack" creator, said just about everyone has a backpack around the house. "It's a matter of cleaning out the closet and finding them."

The project began in May and has delivered 271 stuffed backpacks.

Wilson created "Operation Backpack" in response to news stories that said children who are sent to foster homes often arrive with nothing. As part of his project, he also has spoken to youth at elementary and middle schools.

"What he thought would be a small project turned out to be something that needs a lot of attention," Janet Wilson said.

Milissa Boykin, president of South Mississippi Foster Parent Association, said the project has been a huge help. "Matthew is an amazing young man," she said.

All items donated to "Operation Backpack" should be in usable condition. Drop-off points are Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs, Ciotti Family Chiropractic in Ocean Springs, Ocean Springs Airport, Ocean Springs Municipal Library, Biloxi Public Library, West Biloxi Library, Margaret S. Sherry Memorial Library and Kathleen McIlwain Public Library of Gautier.