Montgomery County residents who bring a new backpack, school supplies or a $50 gift card to Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, will help outfit 175 children in supportive housing for the new school year.
The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless is hosting Backpacks & Brews from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Olney farm brewery, located at 5000 Olney Laytonsville Rd. The first 35 guests who RSVP get their first drink free.
MCCH is collecting donations for students in its programs ahead of the Montgomery County Public Schools year, which begins on Aug. 25. The nonprofit said on its Instagram page in late July that attendees can bring backpacks, school supplies or gift cards for new shoes, and that a portion of the evening's proceeds will also support its work.
The Montgomery County government promoted the event on X on Monday, Aug. 3, calling on residents to donate school supplies, new backpacks or gift cards to help local students start the year strong.
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. sits on nearly 29 acres in Olney, about 15 miles north of downtown Bethesda. The drive takes roughly 25 minutes up Georgia Avenue, and the brewery's taproom, porch and pavilion spaces give the event a casual, outdoor-friendly setting for an evening of giving.
As we reported July 31, several other giving opportunities remain open for Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents who want to help local students before classes start. MCCH's broader back-to-school campaign aims to serve 175 children across its supportive housing programs with backpacks, supplies and shoes.
How to attend: RSVP through MCCH's Instagram page (@mcchmaryland). Walk-ins are welcome, but only the first 35 RSVPs receive a free drink.
Upcoming back-to-school dates:
- Wednesday, Aug. 5: Backpacks & Brews, 6–8 p.m., Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Olney
- Saturday, Aug. 22: MCPS regional Back-to-School Fairs (six locations countywide, replacing the former single event)
- Tuesday, Aug. 25: First day of school, Montgomery County Public Schools
