2 churches team up to give away 1,500 backpacks at Tuscaloosa back-to-school rally

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Churches have partnered to host a back-to-school rally in Tuscaloosa, with organizers planning to distribute 1,500 backpacks and school supplies to area families.

The RESPECT organization works with Birmingham’s More Than Conqueror Faith Church to host large-scale back-to-school events at different locations each year. In 2026, the events took place at two Tuscaloosa locations on Thursday, Aug. 6, with members of Beulah Baptist Church’s Go Team sorting and packing school supplies ahead of the event.

Charmaine Harris with Beulah Baptist Church said the event is aimed at families who may not be able to afford school supplies.

“This is very important for the community, for those who may not be able to afford school supplies. They’ll have everything they need to get started with their school year and be confident when they’re going, they have what they need to get the school year off to the right start,” Harris said.

Organizers said there will also be a food giveaway and a raffle that includes TVs and tablets.

Free haircuts were available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church at 3100 25th St.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., backpacks with school supplies will be distributed at the McDonald Hughes Community Center, 3101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., two blocks away.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at both locations to receive a haircut and a backpack.

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