As the new school year approaches, a series of charitable events are being organized throughout Arizona to ensure students are equipped with necessary school supplies. These initiatives are crucial for many families, providing essential items for students in various regions, including Phoenix, Glendale, and Mesa.
Upcoming School Supply Distribution Events
Lerner & Rowe Backpack Giveaways
Offering supply-filled backpacks on a first-come, first-served basis, these events require students to be present to receive their backpacks.
- 5 p.m. until supplies last, July 9, 2026 — AZ Athletic Grounds, 6321 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, AZ 85212
- 2 p.m. until supplies last, July 11, 2026 — Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma, AZ 85365
- 4 p.m. until supplies last, July 13, 2026 — Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
- Time TBA, July 17, 2026 — Phoenix West Valley. Location TBA.
- More information: https://lernerandrowe.com/free-backpacks/
Surprise — Back to School Confidence Drive
This event allows families to select from a range of free items, including clothes, shoes, backpacks, hygiene products, and school supplies.
Adelante Healthcare Back to School Events
Outdoor events offering free backpacks and supplies on a first-come, first-served basis, with student presence required.
- 9-11 a.m., July 11, 2026, at Adelante Healthcare Surprise, 15351 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374 and Adelante Healthcare Mesa, 1705 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201.
- 9-11 a.m. July 25, 2026, at Adelante Healthcare Goodyear, 13471 W. Cornerstone Blvd., Goodyear, AZ 85395, and Adelante Healthcare West Phoenix, 9610 N. Metro Parkway West, Phoenix, AZ 85051.
- More information: https://adelantehealthcare.com/2026-back-to-school-party/
Phoenix — Back to School Bash
The event features games, food, live entertainment, and free school supplies.
Phoenix — Community Backpack Giveaway
Families can obtain backpacks filled with school supplies, while enjoying food, activities, and free haircuts.
Glendale — Get Ready 4 School Glendale
This free event distributes 1,000 backpacks on a first-come, first-served basis and includes free breakfast, haircuts, and dental screenings.
- 8-11 a.m., July 18, 2026.
- GESD System of Care Center: 7677 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale, AZ 85303
- More information: facebook.com/GESD40
Glendale — Back to School Giveaway
Backpacks, supplies, and sports physicals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the requirement of student presence.
Phoenix — 2nd Annual Backpack to the Future
Sponsored by Elmm Law Group, this event provides K-5 students at Maurice C. Cash Elementary School with school supplies, water bottles, and free Kona Ice snow cones.
Mesa — Back to School Community Event by CBI Mesa Prevention Alliance
Open to all K-12 students, offering free backpacks, haircuts, socks, and more.
Glendale and Tucson — Back to School Brigade
Exclusive to eligible dependents of service members, offering free school supplies. Registration required: operationhomefront.com
Donation Opportunities
Stuff the Bus Challenge with Fulton Homes & 98KUPD
Participants can donate backpacks and school supplies, with opportunities to receive free items from mall vendors.
