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.
July 12
Phoenix - Phoenix Tools 4 School
Billed as Arizona's largest backpack giveaway event, the first-come, first-served giveaway is for K-8 students. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, and students must be present to receive their backpacks and supplies.
- 7-9 a.m.
- Sun Valley Academy, 2675 W Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041
- More information: herozona.org
Glendale and Tempe - Back to School Brigade
This event giving away free school supplies is only for eligible dependents of service members. Register for full details: operationhomefront.com
July 19
Phoenix - Back to School Event
This first-come, first-served event offering free backpacks and school supplies is limited to the first 450 participants. Students must be present.
- 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Adelante Healthcare, 9610 North Metro Parkway West Phoenix, AZ 85051
- More information: Eventbrite event
Phoenix - Back to School Bash
This event will feature games, food, live entertainment and school supplies giveaways.
- 3:30-5 p.m.
- Teen Challenge Arizona Greater Phoenix Men's Center, 1515 Grand Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007
- More information: tcaz.org/event/back-to-school-bash-2/
Phoenix - Community Backpack Giveaway
Families can pick up backpacks filled with school supplies while they last. The event also features free groceries, activities and haircuts.
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Imagine Desert Middle School, 6800 W. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85035
- More information: https://fccphoenix.com/calendar
Glendale - Molina Healthcare of Arizona Giveaway
At this free event, 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed to school-aged children on a first-come, first-served basis (child must be present).
- 8-11 a.m.
- GESD System of Care Center: 7677 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale, AZ 85303
- More information: facebook.com/GESD40
Surprise - Back 2 School Community Fair
This event features kids haircuts, snacks, health resources and more.
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock St.
- More information: surpriseaz.gov
July 23
Phoenix - Backpack to the Future
This event sponsored by Elmm Law Group offers K-5 students at Maurice C. Cash Elementary School free school supplies, water bottles and free Kona Ice snow cones.
- 1 p.m.
- Maurice C. Cash Elementary School, 5000 S. Sandomir Way, Phoenix AZ 85041-9805
- More information: https://getgordi.com/backpack-to-the-future-event/
July 26
Glendale - Back to School Giveaway
This first-come, first-served event offers free backpacks, supplies and sports physicals. Student must be present.
- 8-9:30 a.m.
- Vineyard North Phoenix, 6250 W Peoria Ave, Glendale, AZ
- More information: https://vineyardnorthphoenix.com/backtoschool/
2025 School Supply Drive and Back to School Giveaway hosted by Community Bridges, Inc.
Organizers say the event is open to all K-12 students in the community, and offers free backpacks as well as haircuts, dental cleanings and more.
- Interstake Center, 830 E 2nd Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
- More information: https://communitybridgesinc.org/back-to-school-event/
July 27
Phoenix - Back to School Bash at First Institutional Baptist Church
This event offers free backpacks and school supplies along with games, food, hair cuts and more.
- Noon
- 1141 E Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Register: https://fibcaz.org/backtoschool
July 28
Phoenix - Lerner & Rowe Gives Back giveaway
This first-come, first-served event offers supply-filled backpacks. Students must be present.
- 4 p.m. until supplies last
- Grand Canyon University, 2600 W. Camelback Rd., Building 66, Phoenix, AZ 85017
- More information: lernerandrowe.com/free-backpacks/
Where to donate school supplies
Phoenix Rescue Mission is seeking school supplies donations ahead of its giveaway on July 26.
Harkins Theatres is hosting its 14th Annual Backpack Drive on July 12. You can donate at three Valley Harkins locations.
From 9-11 a.m. on Aug. 2, United Food Bank will host a back-to-school food drive at its Volunteer Center at 358 E. Javelina Ave. in Mesa.
