Support students in need by donating backpacks, notebooks, and supplies to Metro Phoenix drives, partnering with local nonprofits, schools, and businesses to ensure every child is prepared. Here are some upcoming back-to-school supply events:

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Phoenix District 8- Tools 4 School

Phoenix Tools 4 School, Arizona’s largest backpack and school supply giveaway, returns on Saturday, July 12, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Sun Valley Academy (2675 W Baseline Rd Phoenix, AZ 85041). This annual community event supports families in need by providing essential school supplies to help students start the academic year prepared.

Now in its 13th year, the event is a collaborative effort between community partners Sun Valley Foundation, American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65, APS, Arizona Diamondbacks, ASU, HeroZona Foundation, Helios Education Foundation and SRP. It aims to support local families with the back-to-school costs by providing free school supplies and backpacks to all students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year on the right foot, and that begins with having the right supplies,” said Alan “AP” Powell, chairman and CEO of AP & Associates – Strategic Alliances, U.S. Army Desert-Storm Veteran, and founder of HeroZona Foundation and Arizona Impact Center. “The Tools 4 School drive is a commitment to our community’s future. By providing students with the materials they need, we’re not only easing the financial burden for families, but also empowering the next generation to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

The event is open to the public and anticipated to attract thousands of families. Tools 4 School welcomes all students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Supplies are limited, and backpacks will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis while they last. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, and students must be present to receive their backpacks and supplies.

“Sun Valley Foundation’s roots were established in South Phoenix and we’re passionate about serving all children and families in our community,” said Dr. Tanae Morrison, founder and CEO of Sun Valley Foundation. “We are here to help every child grow into their purpose and potential and believe the best way to empower them is through loving service to them. That’s why we are proud to partner with HeroZona in serving and loving the families and children in our community.”

This year’s event is supported by American Legion Department of Arizona, Andrew and Amy Cohen, APS, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Informant, La Campesina 101.9, United States 3rd district Senator for Arizona Ruben Gallego, ASU, Black Chamber of Arizona, Dollar Days, Forty Eight Foundation, Tiger Mountain Foundation, Arizona Impact Center, Helios Education Foundation, , Maricopa County District 5 Supervisor Steve Gallardo, Mega 104.3, Morrison Education Group, Phoenix City Council District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix Police Department, Prensa Arizona, SRP, Sun Valley Academy, 101.1 The Bounce, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center and 100 Black Men of Phoenix.

For more information about the foundation’s community program partnerships visit HeroZona.org or follow on social media@herozonaorg.

A New Leaf- Fill the Truck

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, July 23 (school supply drop-off all week at A New Leaf donation center).
Fill The Truck Pit Stops:
9:00–10:00 AM – Phoenix Theater, 1825 N Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004
11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – Alta Mesa Stake, 3920 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205
1:00–2:30 PM – Udall Shumway PLC, 1138 N Alma School Rd #101, Mesa, AZ 85201; Shaved ice treats provided at this stop

Fulton Homes- Stuff the Bus

Help us by donating school supplies to equip our Club kids with all the tools they need to go back to school!

You can drop off school supplies anytime from June 24th to July 14th with our security office located down the hallway in the food court between PokiLuv and F.Y.E.

If you have any questions about where to drop supplies, call security at 480-812-8783

Or you can join us at the two event below to receive some special thank you gifts!!!

Join 98KUPD at the big yellow school bus on Friday, June 28th or Saturday, July 13th and drop off you school supplies. As a thank you for your support, you will get a special gift in return!

WHERE: The school bus is parked outside our food court entrance on the southside of the property.

WHEN: Saturday, July 13th from 10AM to Noon

The first 50 people to drop off school supplies at each of these events, will get to choose one of the following freebies*:

  • Two passes to the Crayola Experience ($50 value)
  • One smoothie from Jamba Juice
  • One small popcorn from Doc Popcorn AND One Chocolate Dipped Strawberry from Chocolate Bash
  • One free 8” personal pizza or a free cheesy garlic bread appetizer from Spinato’s Pizza

Operation Back to School

Event Day: July 12, 2025

Location: Compass Christian Church

1825 S Alma School Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286

Time: 8:00 -11:00 AM

What is Operation Back to School?
Every summer before the beginning of the school year, For Our City – Chandler provides thousands of students throughout Chandler with backpacks, school supplies, shoes, socks, underwear, haircuts, and school uniforms through the one-of-a-kind Operation Back to School event.

If you have any questions or are interested in sponsorship opportunities for Operation Back to School 2025, please contact backpackdrive@forourcitychandler.org

East Valley Community Back to School Clothing Swap

Date and time:
Saturday, July 26 · 9am – 12pm MST
Location:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 454 North Crismon Road Mesa, AZ 85207 United States

Event lasts 3 hours.
Drop off the clothes and shoes you don’t want on Friday, July 25 from 5 – 7 pm. Come back and “shop” Saturday morning. No donations necessary to participate!

We are also collecting school supplies for local schools:

  • Disinfecting Wipes Expo Markers (all colors, all sizes)
  • Reams of white copy paper
  • Pencils