It’s the back-to-school shopping season and local organizations are preparing to give away backpacks and supplies to students in July.

F.O.R. Maricopa and the Maricopa Police Department are partnering again this year to help nearly 800 kids July 7 at the Blue Business Building, 19428 N. John Wayne Parkway, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Eligible children, 4-18 years old, will receive free backpacks and supplies. They’ll also get to meet local first responders.

“The kids really love having the police and fire around whenever we’ve had them for other events,” said F.O.R. Director Wendy Webb.

Parents should bring a picture identification card, food bank card and children’s birth certificates. If not already enrolled with the food bank, families must meet requirements and bring a picture ID, proof of residency (Maricopa or Stanfield), and birth certificates.

The Streets Don’t Love You Back ninth annual Backpack Drive has raised donations inside local businesses since June. The public can donate to the drive until July 19 (see donation drop-off locations below).

TSDLYB will host its giveaway event July 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maricopa Wells Middle School gym. Children must be present to be eligible.
Local non-profit, Our Children Matter, will disperse supplies to Maricopa schools prior to the first day of class.

OCM Owner Amalia Clark said the classroom drive is accepting donations until July 13. Read more information here.

Supplies donated from OCM will be dispersed to students by the schools.

 

TSDLYB Backpack Drive Donation Sites:

Nails 4U, 20046 John Wayne Parkway, Suite #106
InMaricopa, 44400 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite #101
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, 971 Jason Lopez Circle, Florence
Maricopa Monitor, 21300 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite #103
Empire West, 19756 North John Wayne Parkway, Suite 106
American Family Insurance, 21300 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite #1108
Water and Ice, 20928 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite #C-7
Home Smart Success ,19756 N John Wayne Parkway, Suite #100
Maricopa Post Office, 44920 W. Hathaway Ave.
Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road.
Tortosa HOA, 36340 W. Picasso St.