SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — With the school year starting sooner than expected, Huntsville families are already checking off their back-to-school lists—thanks to the return of a beloved community tradition. The 14th annual “Stuff the Bus” pickup event, hosted Saturday at Calhoun Community College, brought out hundreds of families and volunteers united in the spirit of giving.
More than 1,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies were distributed to students ages 12–18. The event, organized by Community Awareness for Youth (CAFY) in partnership with local agencies and faith-based organizations, has become one of North Alabama’s largest youth-focused resource initiatives.
From Humble Beginnings to Major Impact
Dr. Harry Hobbs, founder of the event and director of CAFY, reflected on how a personal memory became a city-wide movement.
“It seemed like yesterday my wife and I were talking about a project that we could bring the community into to get back to the youth,” Hobbs said.
“This all just was spawned from my experience of being a lower-income kid without resources and the goodness of others giving back to me, and now I was in a position to give back to others.”
Community in Action
Local volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and city officials packed and distributed the supplies with care. Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Delta Omega Zeta Chapter were among the many helping hands.
“This is what we do for the community,” said one representative. “To give back and see the love that we can give—and the love the community shows us.”
Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards was also in attendance and praised the event’s impact.
“This is our biggest investment—these children and these families,” Edwards said. “It is wonderful that so many people come out to take part in the resources that are available.”
Beyond Backpacks: Feeding the Community
Just steps away from the supply tents, cars lined up across campus as families waited in line for free groceries, with some arriving as early as 6:00 a.m.
“We have the opportunity to feed our community and give away 40,000 pounds of free groceries,” said Jason Parks, Senior Pastor of Refuge Church.
“That feeds about 300 families. Unfortunately, we’ll have families come through and we’ll be out of food—so it’s a bittersweet day. But I love seeing people come together to make a difference.”
A Hand-Up, Not a Handout
For Hobbs and his team, the day isn’t just about donations—it’s about dignity and opportunity.
“A lot of times when you do things like this, people see you giving people a handout,” Hobbs said. “You’re not giving a handout. You’re giving a hand-up.”
Commissioner Edwards echoed the same sentiment:
“I hear two things when I see that crowd: A, that people are excited about it. B, that there is a need, and to be able to come in and take part in these resources is really a blessing.”
CAFY’s Lasting Legacy
Now in its 14th year, CAFY’s Stuff the Bus continues to serve as a cornerstone for back-to-school readiness and a reminder of what can happen when community, compassion, and commitment come together.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me,” said Hobbs. “To be able to give back what was once given to me—this is what it’s all about.”
