More than 1,300 students across North Fulton will head into the new school year with full backpacks after North Fulton Community Charities wrapped its annual supply drive July 20–22.

About 200 volunteers spent three days collecting, sorting, and packing binders, dividers, composition notebooks, and backpacks at the nonprofit's Alpharetta location, according to Appen Media. Distribution to eligible families continues through Saturday, July 25, giving parents less than two weeks before Fulton County Schools students report for the first day of class Monday, August 3.

SaraSpring Weston, NFCC's community engagement manager, estimated the nonprofit will equip roughly 450 elementary schoolers, 500 middle schoolers, and 400 high schoolers. Only current clients — families who have used NFCC services within the past 12 months — qualify.

"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," Weston said.

The organization tracks household size to match each family with the right number of supplies. Any backpacks left over after client distribution will go to other area nonprofits and schools.

A 28-year tradition

NFCC launched the school supply drive in 1998 in partnership with Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, which helped found the nonprofit in 1982. Seven additional churches have since joined the collection effort. Beyond school supplies, NFCC provides food, clothing, financial assistance, and skills workshops to families across the North Fulton area, which includes Johns Creek.

Debbie Halper, who has volunteered with NFCC for more than a decade, was among those packing bags. She also works the food pantry and said her favorite part of the work is getting to know the people she serves.

NFCC serves residents across North Fulton, including Johns Creek. Current clients can pick up supplies through Saturday, July 25. Information is available at nfcchelp.org.

Fulton County Schools' 2026–27 school year begins Monday, August 3, with teacher professional development days running Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31.