PHOENIX — Preparing for a new school year can be a costly event for families, so organizations and businesses around the Valley are lending a hand to those who need assistance.
Multiple school supply and backpack giveaways are happening in the Phoenix metro area ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. Some events are also offering haircuts, clothes, entertainment, and other resources for families.
Do you know of another event helping students heading back to school? Let us know by sending an email to share@abc15.com.
6th Annual Back-to-School Event
The Mesa Prevention Alliance, powered by Community Bridges, Inc., will host its 6th Annual Back-to-School Event on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Mesa High School, 1630 E. Southern Ave.
The free event is expected to serve 1,800 to 2,000 students and families by distributing more than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for K–12 students.
AZ Business Alliance Team's Tools 4 School giveaway
From 7-10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, kids can get a free backpack with supplies (first-come, first-served).
There will also be raffles, giveaways, local vendors, and special deals from Dave & Buster's.
The event is being held at Dave & Buster's in Glendale, according to the AZ Business Alliance Team.
Phoenix Tools 4 School
This annual event is being held on Saturday, July 25, from 7-11 a.m. at American Legion Post 41 (715 S. 2nd Ave.), helping local K–8 students head back to school with free backpacks filled with essential supplies.
Launch Back-to-School Backpack Program
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Honeywell Aerospace are teaming up to give away thousands of backpacks with school supplies throughout the month of July.
- Cover Arizona Back-to-School Health Fair
- Saturday, July 11: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, 9401 W. Garfield St., Tolleson, AZ 85353
- PHX Plays Back 2 School Event
- Saturday, July 11: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- 35th Avenue & Baseline Road Community Center, 7858 S. 35th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85339
- Desert West Community Center Back-to-School Event
- Saturday, July 18: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Desert West Community Center, 6501 W. Virginia Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85035
- Mesa Public Library Back-to-School Event
- Wednesday, July 22: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Mesa Public Library, 64 E. 1st St., Mesa, AZ 85201
- Community Bridges/Mesa Prevention Alliance Back-to-School Event
- Saturday, July 25: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Mesa High School, 1630 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204
2026 School Supply Drive and Back to School Giveaway
TruWest Credit Union is partnering with Community Bridges, Inc. to support students and families through the 2026 School Supply Drive and Back to School Giveaway, taking place Saturday, July 25, at Mesa High School beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Spirit of Hope Summer Community Event
StonePoint Community Church is hosting an event on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and hair braiding. Additionally, there will be community resources and fun for the family.
14th annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” event
Round Room, LLC (a Verizon authorized retailer) is giving away $3 million worth of FREE backpacks at its 14th annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” event. Hundreds of families are expected to line up to receive a free backpack and participate in family-friendly activities.
When: Sunday, July 26
Time: The Backpack Giveaway starts at 1 p.m. Lines are expected to form before the event starts.
Where:
- 3655 W Anthem Way Ste C109 in Anthem
- 3111 W Chandler Blvd Ste 1216 in Chandler
- 875 S Main St in Cottonwood
- 876 S Main St in Cottonwood
- 4429 N US Highway 89 in Flagstaff
- 1800 S Milton Rd Ste 400 in Flagstaff
- 4650 N US Highway 89 Ste B26 in Flagstaff
- 2150 E Williams Field Rd Ste 110 in Gilbert
- 20211 N 67th Ave Ste B1 in Glendale
- 1781 E State Route 69 Ste 19 in Prescott
- 150 E Sheldon St Ste D1113 in Prescott
- 3292 Glassford Hill Rd Ste D-01 in Prescott Valley
- 8980 E Talking Stick Way Ste D-6 in Scottsdale
- 23143 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 105 in Scottsdale
- 32415 N Scottsdale Rd Spc B5-101 in Scottsdale
- 15807 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Ste 100 in Scottsdale
- 10001 W Bell Rd Ste 154 in Sun City
RELATED: Back-to-school sales are here: How to save money on supplies this July
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Past events
2nd Annual Backpack to the Future
Join Elmm Law Group on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at M.C. Cash Elementary School. Parents and students are welcome to attend. Pick up a free backpack stuffed with supplies and other fun items. Kona Ice will be offered, say hi to neighbors, and more.
Amazing Offer
On July 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., local Phoenix company Amazing Offer will be giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies to K-12 students at 12808 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ.
The event is first-come, first-served while supplies last, and students must be present to receive a backpack.
Snacks and water will also be available.
ATL Wings Annual Backpack Giveaway
On Monday, July 13, beginning at 8 a.m., families in need can pick up a backpack loaded with essential school supplies for their student at the ATL restaurant near 51st Avenue and Thomas Road (5041 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, 85031). These backpacks are provided free of charge and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
During the event, families can also enjoy free food from ATL Wings and other surprises.
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back
There are two school supply and shoe giveaway events in the Valley this month. Free shoes will be given away to the first several hundred children at each event.
- Arizona Athletic Grounds (6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, 85212)
- July 9, 5 p.m. until supplies last (750 total bags)
- Desert Diamond Arena (9400 W Maryland Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305)
- July 17, 4 p.m. until supplies last (1,000 total bags)
Lerner & Rowe
Chicanos Por La Causa’s Summer Social
On July 15, starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be an event at Avance High School (715 W Mariposa St, Phoenix, AZ 85013), with live music, food, drinks, activities, clothing swap, college and career resources, giveaways, family resources, and free backpacks with supplies (while supplies last).
Backpacks 4 Kids AZ
On Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., students from West-MEC’s Cosmetology and Hairstyling program will be offering free haircuts for students.
There will also be hundreds of backpacks and supplies to hand out to families who need them.
The event is being held at West-MEC’s Northwest Campus in Surprise.
6th Annual Backpack & Student School Supplies Giveaway
The City of Peoria and Peoria Firefighters Charities join community partners on Saturday, July 18, at the Peoria Sports Complex (16101 N. 83rd Ave.). The event starts at 8 a.m.
There will be free backpacks and school supplies, as well as free vision screenings for kids.
Students must be present.
3rd Annual Torgenson Law & YMCA Backpack Drive
Torgenson Law and YMCA are partnering to provide free backpacks and school supplies to local families.
These backpack drive events are open to both YMCA members and non-members. The Legacy Foundation Chris-Town YMCA event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while the Watts Family Maryvale YMCA event will include a QR code for attendees to RSVP.
Event Details:
Legacy Foundation Chris-Town YMCA
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
5517 N 17th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Watts Family Maryvale YMCA
Thursday, July 23, 2026
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
3825 N 67th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85033
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Resources for teachers
According to Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T), the average American teacher can spend at least $500 out of their own pocket on school supplies. That means that while teachers are restocking their classrooms for use during the school year, many are looking for ways to save while doing it.
T4T is a Tempe-based resource and supply store. You have to be a member to shop there, but membership means you can get free or low-cost supplies.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
There is also a T4T Thrift Shop in Tempe that is open to the public, with proceeds going to providing supplies for educators.
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