Star-C is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with the Empty Stocking Fund to provide 2,600 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in need across Metro Atlanta. This partnership is a component of Star-C's “Select” initiative, which provides comprehensive support and resources to communities in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties.

Fifty-two affordable and workforce housing communities will each receive 50 backpacks, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed in the upcoming school year. The backpack distribution begins in late June and runs through August, with the primary distribution activities starting on July 9. Class for most area schools commence at the beginning of August.

“The success of last year’s giveaway encourages us to significantly expand this year, thanks to this new partnership with the Empty Stocking Fund,” says Audrea Rease, Star-C Executive Director. “With their incredible support sourcing and warehousing backpacks at such reasonable cost, we can reach even more communities and make an even greater impact.”

Building on a foundation of affordable housing for working families, Star-C offers onsite afterschool programs and summer camps; eviction relief; food security; access to affordable healthcare; and more. Star-C Select extends that proven model to communities where landlords may want an a la carte approach. Select differs from the full Star-C partnerships in that it does not include onsite afterschool programs. Star-C Select has available slots for interested landlords, who only need to complete an application and be offering housing considered affordable – generally two-bedroom apartments for $2,000/month or below rent.

“We are excited to partner with Star-C,” says Barbara Blalock, Empty Stocking Fund’s new Executive Director. “Together, we are able to support thousands of students, ensuring they are equipped and ready for school.”

To support this initiative, donations are being accepted to cover the cost of the backpacks and additional expenses, approximately $20 per backpack. Those interested in making donations can do so via Star-C’s website. This year’s distribution includes six Star-C afterschool program sites, additional Star-C Select sites and other affordable housing locations.

Star-C Select, launched last year, continues to expand its reach, largely funded by a $1 million grant from UnitedHealthcare. Rease says this funding has been pivotal in scaling the program to include more properties and provide even more resources to the communities served. That funding also kicked off Star-C’s ongoing capacity campaign, now in its second year.

Star-C – an Atlanta-based non-profit with the mission to reduce transiency in local schools – partners with responsible landlords to provide wraparound services for children and families in underserved apartment communities. Through initiatives like Star-C Select, the 10-year-old organization provides periodic programming at an additional 47 communities that do not have onsite afterschool programs.

The Empty Stocking Fund provides essential items to children in need. With a long-standing history of community support, it continues to impact lives by ensuring every child has what they need to succeed.

Media inquiries

Drew Plant (former Star-C Board Member)

[email protected]

678-637-5532