In the blink of an eye, stores will be overflowing with notebooks, pencils, and lunchboxes. However, shopping for a new school year can cause a financial strain on families. Fortunately, there are many organizations in Atlanta that are collecting and distributing needed supplies this summer.
American Legion Post 156 – Free, filled backpacks to the first 100 participants, plus complimentary haircuts, braiding, and many vendors to explore. July 25.
Atlanta Braves – In partnership with Artportunity Knocks, check out this interactive learning experience at The Battery. If you are a public school educator, bring your ID for additional resources. July 25 – Registration required.
Atlanta Mission – Our city’s largest homeless service provider. Their primary needs are backpacks, school supplies, and uniforms/clothing.
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – families are invited to the Georgia World Congress Center to receive educational materials, participate in games and health screenings, and meet community helpers. Transportation is available. August 1 – Registration required.
Backpack Buddies – Kids need proper nutrition to fuel their brains, and many students rely on free school meals. Backpack Buddies ensures they have healthy meals on the weekends, too.
Blessings in a Backpack – Also a food-centric organization. You can pick the program closest to you to support.
Cobb Sheriffs – Their 5th Annual donation event at Jim R. Miller Park will include Parent and Educator Resource Zones, games, food, and more. July 25.
Community Assistance Center – Working in conjunction with The Sandy Springs Education Force, last year alone, they served over 9,000 students and provided over $44K in supplies, thanks to donations. Parents can use their online request form as well.
DeKalb Schools – Health and wellness screenings will be part of this back-to-school giveaway in Stone Mountain. July 25 – Registration is required.
Empty Stocking Fund – It’s Christmas all year round! Help fund their school supply kits, teacher, and mobile resources.
Families First – Support their Back-To-School Bash in downtown Atlanta with a sponsorship, monetary, or in-kind donation. Families receive food, backpacks, supplies, and access to local resources. July 25.
Fulton County Schools – First Day Fulton is at both Banneker and Centennial High Schools. Free for Fulton County students and families. July 25.
Fulton County Sherriffs – Head over to The Villages at Carver Family YMCA for games, food, and pre-filled backpacks. July 18.
Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition – In addition to supplies, come for the gaming truck, bounce houses, barbers, and groceries. July 18.
Gwinnett County Police – Deliver your donations to any Gwinnett police headquarters or precinct until July 17.
Hosea Helps – With a variety of programs for children, there are plenty of ways to give. They deliver emergency food to schools for families in need. Reach out to them for details about their back-to-school event on July 25.
La Amistad – Help provide books, school supplies, ESL instruction, and more for Latino students in our area.
Marvin Arrington’s It Takes a Village – There are three different libraries and dates to pick up supplies – Wolf Creek, July 17; Fairburn Hobgood-Palmer, July 23; Gladys S. Dennard, July 24. Registration required.
North Fulton Community Charities – Collecting donations from July 20-25, and distributing from July 23-25. Their goal is to hand out at least 1,000 backpacks!
Scott Candler Library – It’s their first annual event, designed to offer services and resources for our budding scholars in Decatur. July 7.
United Church – Community event to gear up your kids and enjoy a carnival with food and other free services. July 18 – RSVP requested.
Wishing all of our students a successful start to the 2026-27 school year!
