More than 1,300 students across North Fulton will head back to class on Monday, August 3, with new backpacks, binders, and notebooks courtesy of their neighbors.

North Fulton Community Charities wrapped up its annual school supply drive the week of July 20, distributing filled backpacks to families served by the nonprofit. Around 200 volunteers collected donations from Monday, July 20, through Wednesday, July 22, then sorted and packed supplies for distribution through Saturday, July 25, according to Appen Media.

Every item was donated. Nothing was purchased by NFCC directly. Supplies ranged from backpacks and binders to dividers and composition notebooks, all contributed by faith organizations, civic groups, and local businesses.

"Everything is donated to us, whether that's through faith organizations, civic organizations, business and corporate groups … it's the community standing up and bringing all of it," SaraSpring Weston, NFCC's community engagement manager, told Appen Media on Thursday, July 23.

The drive dates back to 1998, when NFCC partnered with Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, which helped found the nonprofit in 1982. Seven additional churches joined the collection effort over the years.

Weston estimated the breakdown at roughly 450 elementary students, 500 middle schoolers, and 400 high schoolers. Eligibility is limited to current NFCC clients, meaning families who have used the nonprofit's services in the past 12 months. NFCC tracks household size to prepare the right number of backpacks per family.

Volunteers including 10-year veteran Debbie Halper, Sharon Rocchio, and Meredith King helped sort and fill backpacks during the July 20–25 push. Halper, who also works in NFCC's food pantry, said her favorite part of volunteering is getting to know the people she serves.

Any supplies remaining after Saturday's distribution will go to other area nonprofits and schools, Weston said. NFCC also provides food, clothing, financial assistance, and skills workshops to families in the Roswell and Alpharetta area. More information is available at nfcchelp.org.

Coming up

  • Monday, August 3 — First day of school, Fulton County Schools