TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — As Tucson students prepare for the school year to begin, local organizations are working on back-to-school events to give out free supplies.
There are also several donation drives for anyone looking to give back.
UPCOMING FREE GIVEAWAYS
DOWNTOWN:
Lerner & Rowe Backpack Giveaway
- WHERE: Tucson Convention Center
- WHEN: July 30, 4 p.m. until supplies last
- WHAT: 1,000 free backpacks stuffed with school supplies
Back-to-School Kidz Expo
- WHERE: Tucson Convention Center
- WHEN: July 24, 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.
- WHAT: Free backpacks, school supplies, raffles, community resources, and free Spanish textbooks
Chicanos Por La Causa Community Schools Back-to-School Bash
- WHERE: Cobra Arcade 63 E. Congress St.
- WHEN: Aug. 2, 4-8 p.m.
- WHAT: School supplies, free haircuts, clothing, community resources, food, arcade games
NORTHSIDE:
Donna Liggins Back-to-School Bash
- WHERE: Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.
- WHEN: July 26, 1-3 p.m.
- WHAT: 200 free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)
EASTSIDE:
Back-to-School Event Hosted by Ward 2 and Udall Recreation Center
- WHERE: Ward 2 Council Office, 7280 E. Broadway Blvd.
- WHEN: Sat. July 19, 9-11 a.m.
- WHAT: Free school supply giveaways, Pima County Mobile Clinic offering free physical exams, & other health-related resources
SOUTHSIDE:
Tucson Police Back-to-School Bash
- WHERE: Freedom Park, 5000 E. 29th St.
- WHEN: Sat. July 26, 9 a.m.-1p.m.
- WHAT: Resource fair, water games with TPD officers, food trucks, and other activities for kids
Ward 5 Backpack Event
- WHERE: El Pueblo Activity Center 101 W. Irvington Rd.
- WHEN: Sat. July 19, 8-10 a.m.
- WHAT: Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last (child must be 5 years old and present)
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK
For anyone looking to donate, there are a few back-to-school drives scheduled in the coming weeks.
Operation Backpack
- WHERE: Drop-off at TPD Stations, Boys & Girls Club Tucson locations, & NOVA Home Loans locations
- WHEN: Last day to donate is July 18
- WHAT: Looking for backpacks, notebooks, pencils, erasers, notebook paper, folders, markers, colored pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks, & pencil sharpeners
SunTran & Salvation Army Stuff the Bus
- WHERE: Walmart 3435 E. Broadway Blvd.
- WHEN: Fri. July 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- WHAT: Filling an entire Sun Tran bus with backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and other school essentials for students in need
- Salvation Army is also accepting donations at the Hospitality House.
