The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics resident-led groups, Coat of Arms and the Resident Access and Engagement Council, recently partnered to make a difference in Selma, Alabama. Through the third annual Selma Backpack and Supply Drive, they delivered 600 backpacks filled with school essentials to elementary school students in the Selma City School District.
To make the drive possible, residents invited support from across UAB and Children’s of Alabama by placing collection bins in workspaces and sharing flyers throughout both institutions. Monetary donations were also accepted through an online platform, allowing community members to contribute even if they could not bring items in person. These funds helped purchase additional supplies to fill any remaining gaps.
Each backpack included a composition notebook, folder and a pencil pouch stocked with pencils, crayons, colored pencils and other classroom necessities. Surplus donations were distributed among three schools: Payne Elementary, Sophia P. Kingston Elementary and Clark Elementary, providing teachers with extra resources for their classrooms.
From emergency response to annual tradition
The Selma Backpack and Supply Drive began in 2023 in response to a devastating tornado that struck the city earlier that year. The storm compounded challenges in a community already facing limited resources and residents learned that parents were concerned about how they would provide school supplies for their children. In response, the Resident Access and Engagement Council partnered with Coat of Arms to launch the drive. The effort was led by Justin Bailey, M.D., who was serving as pediatrics chief resident at the time and is now a fellow in the Division of Pediatric Neonatology, along with former resident and former Coat of Arms leader, Lauren Rosati, M.D. Their prior work with Selma schools through a UAB Health Equity Scholars immersive experience laid the foundation for the partnership and helped strengthen connections within the community.
“What began as an emergency response has truly grown into a lasting partnership,” said Jessica Corners, M.D., a PGY-3 resident. “As residents, it feels meaningful to give back to the people of Alabama and we are proud to continue this tradition for years to come while also finding new ways to support the Selma community.”
For teachers, the donations ease the burden of providing materials for their classrooms and give them confidence that students are ready to learn. For parents, the support provides peace of mind that their children are equipped for the year ahead. For students, the backpacks help eliminate barriers to learning by ensuring they feel prepared, included and capable from the first day of school.