For most kids, a new school year means new clothes, backpacks and school supplies.
But for many struggling families, new stuff isn't an option.
That's why several organizations around Tucson are making sure kids can start the new school year off right with school supplies, backpacks, haircuts and more at no cost to families.
Students can get free backpacks, school supplies and a pancake breakfast prepared by firefighters.
There will also be free haircuts, displays by the Tucson police and fire departments, free bike helmets and booster seats, child finger printing, animals from the Reid Park Zoo, Eegee's and more.
Kids can also win prizes such as computers, bikes, tablets, membership to the Reid Park Zoo and more in the free raffle.
Prizes, activities and supplies will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: 8-11 a.m., Saturday, July 15
Where: Clements Recreation Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
Back to School Backpack Event for Military Children
Tucson children of families in all branches of the military — active duty and reserves — can get free backpacks and school supplies.
When: Noon-2 p.m., Sunday, July 16
Where: Disabled American Veterans Hall, 3455 S. Wilmot Rd.
Sunnyside Unified School District families will have access to free wellness services such as immunizations, sports physicals, vision and dental screenings. The first 1,000 students in K-8th grades can get a free backpack with school supplies.
When: 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, July 18
Where: Los Ranchitos Opportunity Center, 2054 E. Ginter Rd.
Take the kids to get a free backpack and school supplies. Stay for the live music, bicycle raffles, bike helmets and entertainment.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 29
Where: El Pueblo Activity Center, 101 W. Irvington Rd.
Pima County Sheriff's Department Badges & Backpacks
Backpacks stuffed with school supplies will be handed out to children in grades K-12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
You can also nominate your school for prizes, get your kids finger printed, check out the PCSD K-9s and Motors Unit and pick up information from various vendors.
When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 29
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Back to School Safety & Health Fair
All kids in grades K-12 can visit with Tucson Police officers from special units such as Internet Crimes Against Children, Safe Teen Accident Reduction Training, SWAT, K9, Bicycle, Bomb, Bully Patrol, Recruiting and Motorcycle Units to get expert safety information.
They can also get free school supplies while supplies last.
When: 9-11 a.m., Saturday, July 29
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
An officer with the Fraternal Order of Police Tucson Lodge #1 provided fingerprinting for a local child at the Tucson Police Foundation Back to School Safety & Health Fair last year. The annual fair, which will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. July 29 at Park Place Mall, is one of several free Back to School events geared toward children’s health that is being staged by local nonprofit organizations in the next few weeks.
5th Annual Back to School Bash
The kids can get free backpacks, school supplies, hair cuts, gently used clothing and shoes. Plus, there will be a DJ, free hot dogs, a jumping castle, games, free comic sketches and face painting and the Pima County Public Library's Book Mobile.
Backpacks and supplies will be given out on a first come first served basis.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 30
Where: Oury Park, 600 W. St. Mary's Rd.
Back to School Resource Fair
Families in the Amphitheater Public Schools district can get backpacks, school supplies and clothing, as well as hair cuts and sports physicals.
When: 7-11 a.m., Saturday, August 5
Where: Amphitheater High School in Panther Hall, 125 W. Yavapai Rd.
