Arizona Watcher
Back-to-school giveaway events across the Phoenix area distributed thousands of backpacks and school supplies as families cope with rising costs for groceries, gas and educational materials.
At Isaac Middle School, the Isaac School District and Molina Healthcare handed out 1,000 backpacks and offered ancillary services such as haircuts, immunizations and health screenings.
Parent Berenice Lucero, who has four children returning to school, said the giveaway provided meaningful financial relief during a costly time of year for families.
Students chose backpacks with character and pattern options; one student, Geovani Lucero, selected a bag patterned with video game controllers that reflected his interests.
At Mesa High School, Community Bridges and the Mesa Prevention Alliance distributed roughly 2,000 backpacks stocked with notebooks and pencils, while providing dental kits, socks, shirts and volunteer support.
The Tools 4 School drive at American Legion Post 41, supported by Rep. Greg Stanton, Sen. Ruben Gallego and local leaders, was among additional Valley efforts that provided thousands more backpacks to K–8 students.
Events held July 25, 2026 included extra services—dental, vision and hearing screenings, sports physicals, cell phone vouchers, community resource partners and activities—aimed at removing barriers to a smooth start to school.
Back-to-school giveaway events across the Phoenix area distributed thousands of backpacks and school supplies as families contend with rising costs for groceries, gas and educational materials. Large-scale events in Phoenix and Mesa provided backpacks plus health services,…