The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is hosting its annual “Badges & Backpacks” event on Saturday at the Tucson Convention Center.
Volunteers will hand out 2,000 free backpacks full of school supplies to children during the event, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon at the TCC’s Exhibit Hall A. Parking is free in Lot B on the west side.
Last year, 1,000 backpacks were handed out, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
The backpacks will be distributed while supplies last and children must be present to receive a backpack.
This is a popular event with thousands of people showing up last year, according to Star archives.
Sheriff Mark Napier, school resource officers, bomb squad, K-9 and motor unit personnel will be on hand at the event. There will also be free fingerprinting of children, mascots, prizes and other activities.
Other sponsors of the event are My 92.9 Cares for Kids, Tucson Electric Power Co., Comcast NBC Universal, Walmart, PLS and Eegee’s.
