The Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters will host a combined food and school supply drive to help local families prepare for the coming academic year. The collection will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon outside NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St., where organizers will have a resource and sign-up table, canopy and a designated donation area.
How the drive will work
Organizers said the drive aims to provide immediate relief to Montgomery residents facing financial strain as school starts. Donations collected at the event will be distributed through the Heart of Alabama Food Bank and Montgomery Public Schools. For those unable to attend the Saturday event, NewSouth Bookstore will host a donation barrel for nonperishable food items from Aug. 1 through Aug. 15.
“With no end to the war in Iran in sight and the prices of everything still so high, these items can provide some relief to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet,” a lead organizer for the Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters said. “One of the greatest and most impactful acts of dissent to oppressive rule in which we can participate is mutual aid.”
Most-needed items
Organizers asked residents to focus on high-demand items to ensure students and families are ready for the school year. Volunteers will accept supplies and food during the event and volunteers will coordinate distribution to partner organizations.
- School supplies: backpacks, binders, composition books, notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, crayons, markers, colored pencils, folders, paper, sticky notes, glue, scissors, erasers, headphones
- Hygiene & cleaning: tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, plastic bags and containers
- Food bank staples: macaroni and cheese (including Easy Mac), pudding and fruit cups, microwave/pop-top canned meals (Chef Boyardee-style), pasta, rice, instant potatoes, canned vegetables, soup, fruit, tuna, chicken, peanut butter, jelly, applesauce, oatmeal, grits, individual cereal boxes, granola and fruit bars
When and where
Community members who plan to drop items at the drive or the bookstore donation barrel should note the dates and times listed below.
| Event | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply & food drive | Aug. 8, 2026 | 9 a.m. – noon | Outside NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St., Montgomery |
| Bookstore donation barrel (food only) | Aug. 1 – 15, 2026 | Store hours | NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St., Montgomery |
The organizers also encouraged people to consider shopping at NewSouth Bookstore when they drop off donations to support the local business. Volunteers from the Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters will staff the site and assist donors with drop-off; more information about volunteer opportunities and sign-ups will be available at the resource table during the event.
For Montgomery families and neighbors, the drive offers an opportunity to replenish classroom essentials and pantry staples ahead of the school year while supporting established local relief channels. Those interested in donating but unable to attend Aug. 8 can contact NewSouth Bookstore for details on store hours and the collection barrel through Aug. 15.
