PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Thousands of Valley children received free backpacks and school supplies Saturday at back-to-school events held across the Phoenix area, as families face rising costs for groceries, gas and school materials.
Phoenix event at Isaac Middle School
One of the largest events was held at Isaac Middle School in Phoenix, where the Isaac School District partnered with Molina Healthcare to distribute 1,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to Phoenix children. Kids were also offered haircuts, immunizations and health screenings at the event.
Berenice Lucero, a parent of four children heading back to school, said the event eased a financial strain.
“For me it definitely means a lot — helps with financial burden of course. I have four kiddos going back to school. This is definitely one of the financially burdening days of year,” Lucero said.
Isaac School District Superintendent Lily Mesas-Lema said the event was designed to send students into the new school year prepared.
“For our students and families this means confidence and readiness they need to begin school well prepared — with everything from backpack to haircut to vaccinations all in one line,” Mesas-Lema said.
Among those who attended was student Geovani Lucero, who selected a backpack featuring a video game controller design.
“It’s because I like gaming and it’s a bunch of controllers on it and that’s why I like gaming because of controllers and all of the games,” Geovani said.
Event at Mesa High School
Across the Valley, Community Bridges teamed up with the Mesa Prevention Alliance to hold a separate back-to-school event at Mesa High School in Mesa. Organizers distributed 2,000 backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils and other school-related items. Families also received free dental kits, socks and shirts. Dozens of volunteers were on hand to distribute supplies.
Alison Bruening-Hamati of Pioneer Elementary School said new supplies can set the tone for the school year.
“One of the most exciting parts of going back to school is a new backpack and new school supplies so you are ready for the first day of school. Every kid deserves to have brand new things on the first day of school so they are ready to learn,” Bruening-Hamati said.
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