Blessings & Backpacks

From the Sanctuary to the Schoolyard
Sharing God’s Love One Backpack at a Time

Eastminster Presbyterian Church joyfully invites the community to participate in our annual Back-to-School Blessing & Supply Drive—a heartfelt ministry supporting students and families as they prepare for a new school year. Throughout the summer, we are collecting new school supplies and financial contributions to help fill backpacks with essential items for children in nearby schools. These items will be distributed to kids in need—extending God’s care and provision beyond our walls. 

2025 Report: In 2025, we collected and filled 70 backpacks with essential school supplies. Backpacks went to Idlewood and Smoke Rise Elementary schools, Stone Mountain Co-op, JMA ministries, and Friends of Refugees who work with the large refugee population in our area.

Our prayer is that every student begins the year feeling equipped, encouraged, and wrapped in the care of God and this community.

How You Can Help

There are two ways to contribute:

  • Donate School Supplies: Drop off new, unused supplies in the designated bins at the church.

  • Give Financially: Monetary donations help purchase additional supplies. Designate donations as “school supplies.” Click here to donate online.

Supply List

  • #2 pencils

  • Crayola crayons, 24-count

  • Broad-tip washable markers

  • Colored pencils

  • Low-odor dry erase markers, black + assorted

  • Highlighters (yellow)

  • Sharpie fine-point permanent markers, black

  • Pink Pearl erasers

  • Soft pencil pouch with zipper

  • Wide-ruled composition notebooks

  • Spiral notebooks, wide-ruled

  • Loose-leaf notebook paper, wide-ruled

  • Pocket folders

  • Index cards, 3x5 ruled

  • Sticky notes

  • Standard school scissors

  • Elmer's glue sticks

  • Blunt-tip scissors

Back-to-School Blessing & Celebration at Eastminster

July 19, 2026
10:30 AM

All students, of any age, are invited to bring their backpacks or tote bags to worship, as a symbol of their learning journey. Teachers, administrators, and school staff are encouraged to bring a work bag or an item that represents their role in education. During the service, we’ll offer a special blessing for everyone heading into a new school year, lifting them up with hope, courage, and faith.

After worship, enjoy lunch, a bounce house and games for the kids, and a joyful time to celebrate the start of the school year together.