This summer, foster children across Alabama will receive between four and six thousand backpacks filled with essential school supplies, thanks to the efforts of the Madison-based nonprofit Kids to Love. For over 15 years, their More Than a Backpack drive has aimed to equip students from kindergarten to college with the tools needed for a successful academic year. Operations Director Tasha Jones highlighted the challenging circumstances foster children often face, moving from home to home with little to no belongings, and sometimes using trash bags instead of proper luggage.

Each backpack from the drive includes basic supplies such as pencils, pens, and notebooks, alongside age-appropriate items like calculators and rulers. Volunteer Alex Phillips joined the initiative this year, motivated by the desire to provide for foster children in the same way she provides for her own kids. The drive is sustained through community partnerships and local donations, addressing the continuous need for supplies throughout the year, beyond just the back-to-school period.

The organized backpacks will be distributed not only in Alabama but also in Tennessee and Mississippi. To facilitate donations, collection boxes are placed at all CB&S Bank branches, with a deadline of July 29. Those interested in contributing or volunteering can find more information on the Kids to Love website, ensuring that the nonprofit can continue to support foster children with the necessary school supplies year-round.

For more details on how to donate or volunteer with Kids to Love, visit their website.visit Here