As students across the Cobb County School District prepared to toss their bookbags aside for the summer, students at Rocky Mount Elementary School in Marietta donated their empty backpacks to benefit those in need.

A third grade student led the drive, resulting in the donation of reusable water bottles and 162 bookbags to Gateway Center to help Metro Atlanta residents who are dealing with homelessness, according to a press release.

Because of the success of the end-of-the-year campaign, Rocky Mount is planning to collect bags and bottles again next year and may extend the drive to include surrounding schools.

Based in Atlanta, Gateway Center helps individuals experiencing homelessness move from the street to long-term stable housing.

Among its programs are career source centers, veteran programs, employment, empowerment, family services, showers, lockers and the clothing closet.

Information: GatewayCtr.org

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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