Backpacks & Beyond

Backpacks & Beyond is a seasonal community support program from The LauraBishop Burbridge Foundation that helps children in elementary grades start the school year with the supplies they need. We provide backpacks and essential school items to help students feel prepared and confident for the first day of school—always with compassion, dignity, and kindness.

Support may include: 

• Backpacks 
• Age-appropriate school supplies (notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, etc.)

Who This Program Serves

• Backpacks & Beyond serves children in elementary grades within our service area. 

We do not target a specific school district.

Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.

We serve Paulding County, Douglas County, and parts of Cobb County (Austell, Mableton, and Powder Springs), Georgia.

How It Works

1. Apply online (application required). 
2. Applications are reviewed and fulfilled on a first come, first served basis 
3. Requests are reviewed based on donations, volunteer capacity, and available supplies.
4. If selected, you’ll receive notifications by email with next steps and distribution details

• Support is distributed during scheduled pickup windows (details are provided by email). 
• We communicate primarily by email (and may use text messaging for updates when available/opted-in).

How You Can Help

Community support makes Backpacks & Beyond possible. You can help by: 

• Donating funds (most helpful for filling gaps quickly) 
• Donating new backpacks and school supplies 
• Hosting a supply drive with your workplace, church, or community group 
• Volunteering to sort, pack, or support distribution days