Metro Atlanta, July 28, 2025
News Summary
As Metro Atlanta prepares for the new academic year amidst a heat wave, various back-to-school events are organized to provide critical supplies to families. In Cobb County, over 4,000 students benefited from free supplies through local drives. Similar initiatives in Clayton County and Nw Atlanta addressed the needs of low-income families. Support from nonprofits and volunteers highlighted community solidarity. Despite soaring temperatures, cooling centers are opened to assist residents, ensuring families stay safe during these events as school resumes.
Metro Atlanta is currently hosting numerous back-to-school events as families prepare for the upcoming academic year amidst an ongoing heat wave. With many school districts beginning classes as soon as this week, local organizations are stepping up to support thousands of students in need of essential supplies.
In Cobb County, a back-to-school drive significantly aided over 4,000 students and teachers by providing free backpacks and supplies. The event, organized by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office in association with the nonprofit Opportunity Knocks, aimed to help students start the school year feeling confident and prepared. The Sheriff’s Office representatives emphasized the necessity of providing items like backpacks, pencils, and pens as crucial resources for students reintegrating into school life.
Meanwhile, in Clayton County, a local church collaborated with the sheriff’s office to distribute backpacks and other essential school supplies to families in need. Volunteers recognized the increasing community demand for support, particularly among low-income students, indicating a collective effort to address these challenges.
In the northwest section of Atlanta, The Bank Foundation hosted an event offering free school supplies and haircuts. Organizers highlighted the importance of backing low-income communities, especially in light of rising inflation affecting family budgets. Hosea Helps provided free food during their back-to-school event, reflecting the struggles faced by families unable to afford summer camp.
A back-to-school bash organized by healthcare provider Amerigroup in Austell also saw participation from various nonprofit and corporate entities, demonstrating concerted community support. Several upcoming events are scheduled to continue assisting families as the new school year approaches.
The current weather conditions are intensifying the need for cooling resources, as meteorologist Joanne Feldman reported that temperatures on Monday morning were already at 78 degrees, with forecasts predicting highs exceeding 100 due to humidity. In response, counties including DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, and Douglas have opened cooling centers to help residents cope with the heat. Medical professionals are advising residents to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion and seek immediate care for symptoms of heat stroke as temperatures rise.
As part of the preparations for the new school year, some school districts, including Douglas, Henry, Jackson, Griffin-Spalding, and Lamar, are set to resume classes on August 4. New policies, such as the implementation of clear bag regulations for athletic and school events, are also being established, with noted exceptions for diaper and medical bags.
The annual Stuff the Bus event, supported by local organizations, is part of these initiatives, collecting school supplies for underprivileged families. Last year, the event achieved the impressive milestone of collecting over 6,000 backpacks, with ambitions to surpass this amount this year. DHI Homebuilders contributed more than 1,200 backpacks to kick off the initiative, while volunteers actively prepared boxes for donations, reminding one another to stay hydrated in the heat.
The director of community and public affairs for a local entity noted the historical impact and growth of the Stuff the Bus initiative, which has been running for 22 years. The event aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by families struggling to afford school supplies, providing reassurance and support to students.
At Allen Temple AME Church, supplies are slated for distribution, while local artist Lil Baby co-hosted a Back to School Fest that served over 4,000 families at West End Production Park. The festival offered school supplies, uniforms, carnival rides, games, food, and haircuts, with local leaders attending to show their support and engagement.
Overall, both Cobb County and Atlanta Public Schools are committed to providing support to families heading back to school, ensuring ample resources and assistance are available as students prepare for a new year.
FAQ
What events are taking place in Metro Atlanta for back-to-school support?
Numerous events, including supply drives and community festivals, are being held across Metro Atlanta to provide necessary school supplies and resources to families in need.
How many students are benefiting from these back-to-school events?
Over 4,000 students and teachers in Cobb County received free backpacks and supplies through recent back-to-school drives.
What measures are being taken to address the heat wave during these events?
Cooling centers have been established in several counties to help residents cope with the extreme heat, and attendees are reminded to stay hydrated.
Key Features of Back-to-School Events
| Event | Location | Support Offered | Participants Benefited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobb County Supply Drive | Cobb County | Free backpacks and school supplies | 4,000+ |
| Clayton County Church Event | Clayton County | Backpacks and essentials | Families in need |
| The Bank Foundation Event | Nw Atlanta | School supplies and haircuts | Families in need |
| Back-to-School Bash | Austell | Support from nonprofits and corporations | Families |
| Stuff the Bus Event | Multiple locations | Collected school supplies | Underprivileged families |
| Back to School Fest | West End Production Park | School supplies, uniforms, activities | 4,000+ |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Carroll County Welcomes New Parks Director
Chattooga County Schools to Offer Free Meals for All Students
Dr. Joshua Rice to Deliver Commencement Address at Lee University
Federal Education Grants Announced for Georgia Schools
Georgia School Districts Prioritize Safety and Funding for 2025
Senator Jon Ossoff Supports First-Generation Students
Families Advocate for Justice at Atlanta Town Hall Event
Three Women Injured in Northwest Atlanta Apartment Shooting
Atlanta Appoints Adam Crawford as Curator for Local Arts Initiative
Georgia Ranks 38th in WalletHub School System Evaluation
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Back to School Giveaways
- Google Search: Back to School Events Metro Atlanta
- AJC: Stuff the Bus Event
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Discover Atlanta: Foot Locker Community Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Supplies
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
