Giving Back with Backpacks

by Linda McMillian

NORTH FULTON, GA — Receiving a new fresh package of crayons at the beginning of every school year is a common childhood memory for most of us. Unbroken and unblemished, the box itself was pristine and to young eyes its inhabitants represented a complete pallet of future possibilities.

The unique joy of new school tools, however, is not as common as one would think in our area. Many families struggle to provide even these basics for their children. That's where North Fulton Community Charities and its supporters come into play.

This year North Fulton Community Charities reports that over 1,800 backpacks filled with school supplies were donated to low-income families with children K-12 enabling them to essentially have the new crayon experience that so many of us enjoyed as children. Click here to read the statement from North Fulton Community Charities.

The supplies provided under-served children in our community with the equipment they need to be successful in the classroom.

• A $125 donation bought a backpack and supplies for a high school student.
• A $90 donation bought a backpack and supplies for a middle school student.
• A $75 donation bought a backpack and supplies for an elementary school student.

Several area churches also joined in unity of purpose to support local children's education for those in need. Including: The Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Saint David's Episcopal Church,Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Tapestry Community Church, Northside Primitive Baptist Church, Northminster Presbyterian Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At the Roswell Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the needs of NFCC were easily found by Church members (as well as the community itself) at the Church's free JustServe.Org website where community volunteers can discover local nonprofit volunteer requirements.

Todd McMillian (local Just Serve Representative) remarked, "The backpack project at North Fulton Community Charities is just one of the many nonprofit volunteer opportunities available for any and all of us in the North Fulton area. A quick check at JustServe.org will take you to a variety of ways you can help your community within your own schedule parameters. You can volunteer as an individual, with your entire family, or with a group of friends. It's a wonderful way to teach your children the value of public service." Click here to learn about available volunteer opportunities in your area.

If you missed out on this community giving opportunity, don't worry. Upcoming community engagement programs include:

Warm Coat Drive (November 5-7)
Thanksgiving Food Program (November 19 – 21)
Holiday Baskets for Seniors and Santa Shop (December 16 – 19).
You can find more about these seasonal volunteer programs and others at JustServe.org.