As the back-to-school rush starts, organizations around the Valley and state are holding events to provide free school supplies.
Below are some upcoming events for students as well as parents and caregivers.
Friday, July 28
Tucson - Lerner & Rowe Gives Back contactless backpack giveaway
This first-come, first-served event offers supply-filled backpacks. Students must be present in vehicles.
- 3 p.m. until supplies last
- Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson
- More information: lernerandrowegivesback.com
Saturday, July 29
Phoenix - Lerner & Rowe Gives Back contactless backpack giveaway
This first-come, first-served event offers supply-filled backpacks. Students must be present in vehicles.
- Noon until supplies last
- Metro Auto Auction parking lot, 2475 S. 59th Ave., Phoenix
- More information: lernerandrowegivesback.com
Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado Back to School giveaway
This giveaway event held by the councilwoman from Phoenix’s District 5 also includes gift cards for school clothes and free haircuts. Students must be present and items are first-come, first-served.
- 6 p.m.
- 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix
- More information: phoenix.gov/District5
HeroZona Foundation Phoenix Tools 4 School
This drive-through giveaway is back for its 11th year with support from the HeroZona Foundation, APS and others. The first-come, first-served event is open to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Students must be present in the vehicles.
- 7-9 a.m.
- Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, 1624 E. Broadway Road., Phoenix
- More information: www.herozona.org/programs/phoenix-tools-4-school/
Phoenix Rescue Mission
This giveaway event returns in person this year. Families will need the names and birthdates of all children from preschool through eighth grade to receive supplies or uniforms.
- 9 a.m.-noon
- Sullivan Elementary School, 2 South 31st Ave., Phoenix
- More information: phoenixrescuemission.org
Arizona Guide Right Foundation
A number of community organizations along with the city of Phoenix Fire and Parks and Recreation departments are hosting this giveaway. Students will receive backpacks filled with school supplies including notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and more.
- Noon-3 p.m.
- Faye Gray Recreation Center
- 5550 S 20th St., Phoenix
For foster children only - Arizona Helping Hands pop-up shops
Arizona Helping Hands, a nonprofit that assists families with foster children, is offering “pop-up shops” for school supplies at four Arizona locations this week. Supplies include a pencil box, highlighter, glue sticks, markers and more.
- Yuma - Thursday, July 27
- Goodyear - Friday, July 28
More information: Facebook, azhelpinghands.org