Updated: Thu Dec. 24 2009 15:02:33

ctvcalgary.ca

Hundreds of homeless children in Calgary have received a gift of hope.

On Thursday, the last few hundred backpacks from Stephen's Backpack Society were delivered.

The charity started four years ago when five-year-old Stephen said he wanted to give homeless children backpacks filled with toys for Christmas. 

The first year, the Airdrie family made 15 backpacks; this year they made more than 2,000.

"We're making a really strong statement, there shouldn't be children on the street. And we should all pull together to bring awareness to it and give the kids the gift of hope," says Nancy McPhee from Stephen's Backpack Society.

The gift of hope was given to four-year-old Diamond. Her family is spending Christmas at the Inn From The Cold shelter.

"This really means a lot, her getting a present, because right now I can't afford it myself. It means a lot to me, my husband and my daughter," says Malerie Guardiphee.

Nest year, Stephen's Backpack Society plans to start a bursary that will help homeless children go to university.