From Crayons to Calculators
Helping Kids Start the School Year Strong
Written by Caroline Martz, Communications Summer Intern.
There’s something special about back-to-school shopping; whether it’s flipping through the pages of a fresh notebook, opening a brand new box of crayons, or the excitement of organizing a new backpack for the first day. Although it’s been four years since I graduated high school, I still vividly remember the joy that I felt every year from going back to school shopping with my parents. New school supplies signified a fresh start, a feeling of preparation for the year ahead, and helped me to feel confident and excited about going to school. Elementary school student Noah Rea says, "Getting new school supplies makes me excited because it makes me think about all of the fun I am going to have in the coming school year. I get excited about meeting my new teacher and about learning new subjects."
Although the feeling of getting new school supplies is one that many of us can relate to, it’s something that not all children get to experience. That’s why Roswell Presbyterian Church has continued to partner with North Fulton Community Charities to support their annual back to school program - an initiative that helps provide essential school supplies to local students whose families are struggling financially. This drive helps to ensure that children in our community can feel encouraged and equipped for the school year ahead. By collecting supplies such as backpacks, calculators, binders, notebooks, and more, we have the opportunity to show these students that their community is supporting them and cheering them on.
As followers of Christ, we are called to care for one another and to give generously, especially to those in need. Scripture reminds us of this responsibility throughout the Bible, including in Acts 20:35, which says, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This verse reminds us that our acts of service and generosity are not just good deeds, they are expressions of our faith and reflections of God’s love. By participating in the Back to School drive, we’re not only helping children succeed in school; we’re living out the call to serve and bless others as Christ has served and blessed us.
Last year, the NFCC Back to School program helped to provide 1,089 children in our community with backpacks and school supplies. This is an incredible impact, and we are excited to continue this impact for the 2025-2026 school year. During the week of July 21-24, participants of Roswell Presbyterian's RAMP camp were given the opportunity experience first hand how NFCC uses the supplies from the backpack drive to assist students. Elementary school student Isaac Lee said, "I really liked getting to see North Fulton Community Charities. They showed us classrooms that they have set up for students where they teach them how to speak english so that they can stay caught up during the school year. This helped me to learn how to give back and donate things that I don't need - and how these donations can help others."
Participating in programs like the NFCC Back to School drive offers a simple and easy way to support our neighbors and invest in the well-being of our community. When we meet real needs, such as ensuring students have the supplies they need to start the school year, we contribute to a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has the tools to succeed. It’s a simple but meaningful way to make a difference right where we are by spreading God’s love.
At Roswell Presbyterian Church, we believe that living out our faith means serving others with compassion, generosity, and commitment. Through "Mission In Action," we share stories of how God's love is made visible in the world—across the street and around the globe. Whether feeding the hungry, sheltering the unhoused, educating the next generation, or responding to crisis, we partner with local and international ministries to bring hope and healing. This blog celebrates the hands and hearts of RPC members and friends who put their faith into action, bearing witness to the transformative power of service in Christ's name.