Following its Independence Day event, the Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters announced a food and school supply drive to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year.
The event will take place Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St., Montgomery, Alabama 36104.
Organizers will set up outside the bookstore at the corner with a resource and sign-up table, canopy and designated space for collected donations. NewSouth Bookstore will also host a collection barrel for nonperishable food items from August 1 through August 15 for those unable to attend the drive.
The organization encouraged community members to shop at the bookstore while dropping off donations to support the local business.
The drive aims to provide relief to community members facing financial hardship as the academic year begins. Donations will benefit the Heart of Alabama Food Bank and Montgomery Public Schools.
Organizers are asking residents to donate highly requested items to help students and families begin the school year prepared.
Most Needed School Supplies
- Backpacks and binders
- Composition books and notebooks
- Pencils, pens and highlighters
- Crayons, markers and colored pencils
- Folders, paper and sticky notes
- Glue, scissors and erasers
- Headphones
- Tissues, wipes and hand sanitizer
- Cleaning supplies
- Plastic bags and containers
Most Needed Food Bank Items
- Macaroni and cheese, including Easy Mac
- Pudding and fruit cups
- Microwave and pop-top canned meals, such as Chef Boyardee
- Pasta, rice and instant potatoes
- Canned vegetables, soup, fruit, tuna and chicken
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Applesauce, oatmeal and grits
- Individual cereal boxes
- Granola and fruit bars
“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.”
The organization encouraged the public to drop off donations during the designated hours or use the collection barrel. Volunteers will collect items and thank donors for their support.
