The parents of Amber Harris told Channel 6 News Wednesday morning that the book bag found near 21st and Lake Tuesday night is Amber's bag.

Amber's mother, Melissa Harris, says that she's encouraged by the discovery. She says the book bag is in good shape and she believes that's a sign that it has been in a house somewhere.

The items in the bag included a folded pair of jeans and a damp shirt and Melissa says, "When I didn't see the shoes and sweater I thought, see I try to look for all of the positives. If there is negative, it's right there, but I just didn't see anything."

Melissa Harris says that Amber would often take a change of clothes to school for gym and she says the discovery of the items gives her renewed hope that her daughter is still alive.

"Finally, some shred of evidence," said Melissa Harris. "I still think it's evidence that Amber is alive. We think she's out there and it gives us hope that she's still in Omaha."

Gino Lindsey, living near 21st and Lake St. informed Channel 6 News Tuesday that he had found the book bag in some metal machinery in his backyard where people often pitch garbage.

"I went through it because I was going to throw it away, put it in the trash, and I seen her name on there," Lindsey said.

Discovery of the book bag set off a massive search of the neighborhood Tuesday night, which expanded into Wednesday.

Omaha police issued a news release Wednesday stating that they are, "forensically processing the backpack and (its) contents in an attempt to locate evidence and confirm the identity of the owner."

Amber was last seen walking off her school bus November 29th at 20th and Pinkney.

There is an $18,000 reward in this case and anyone with information can provide it anonymously.