The 2024-25 school year is on the horizon for parents, students and teachers, but organizers of local back-to-school events also hope to put it on the radar for would-be philanthropists.
“There are lots of low-income kids in our area that can’t afford backpacks and school supplies, and we started a backpack giveaway years ago to try to help them out. School supplies and backpacks are expensive and this is something we really wanted to do for the kids,” said Ed Birdman, the president of Friends of Marty Birdman Center.
The all-volunteer group offers support for children and families in the Balboa Heights neighborhood through the Marty Birdman Recreation Center, a City of Tucson Parks and Recreation facility with a basketball court, playground, ramada and splash pad. The Center also features a kitchen, multipurpose rooms and a free library at 2536 N. Castro Ave. Additionally, it offers youth programming, including free after-school drop-in for ages 10 to 14.
This year, the Center’s back-to-school event seeks to provide 120 free backpacks filled with school supplies, free haircuts, food, and games for children and their families.
“We are just trying to get things going and keep this afloat for the kids. We used to have more people who helped, but lots of people don’t have time anymore,” said Birdman, who is looking for assistance from the public to stage the event.
He is determined to continue the legacy started by his father, Marty, who spearheaded the center and brought it to fruition with private contributions and land donated by Tucson Electric Power.
Birdman welcomes contributions of backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene products for the Back-to-School Spectacular. Donations can be dropped at the Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center, 2160 N. Sixth Ave.
The Friends of Marty Birdman Center is also a participant in the Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle to support local charities. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100 and the grand prize is a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Plug-in Hybrid. To purchase a ticket, send an email to Birdman at flyingbirdman59@yahoo.com.
Kids and families can also get classroom-ready at the Badges & Backpacks Fun Fiesta from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Staged by Banner/Aetna and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with Hughes Federal Credit Union, El Rio Health and other sponsors, the event seeks to gift 1,000 backpacks and school supplies to children in need.
“We changed the name to the Badges & Backpacks Fun Fiesta because we wanted to make it different and promote the fun aspect. There are lots of businesses doing drives and donating school supplies and we want to let people know this is a completely free indoor event where kids can get their supplies. We have also added more raffle prizes this year and are having a contest to give classroom supplies back to teachers as well,” said Brittany Abarr, a Deputy with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and coordinator of the event.
The one-stop giveaway will feature 1,000 backpacks (given on a first-come, first-serve basis) filled with school supplies and coupons for free haircuts, Eegee’s, Peter Piper Pizza, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and more. Dental education and hearing and vision exams are provided courtesy of El Rio; additionally, the Pima County Health Department will offer free COVID and flu vaccines.
In a new initiative, attendees can scan a QR code upon entrance to vote for their school; the three schools with the highest attendance will receive classroom supplies for teachers; the top school will also receive law enforcement demonstrations by the K-9 division and other special teams.
“This is something that is very needed. It is a way to help out the parents so not all the burden is on them since their kids can come get the health resources they need and school supplies at the same time. On the other side, we can also help alleviate the financial burden on some of the teachers who won’t have to purchase supplies themselves,” said Abarr.
The event also cranks up the fun quotient with jumping castles and other activities as well as superheroes, Disney princesses, Wilbur and Wilma and other mascots.
“This is a big community-pleasing event. We want kids to know that it is safe to approach and speak to law enforcement officers. When people call 911, it is often a bad time in their life and events like this help them to see law enforcement in a positive manner and understand that we are not only there for scary moments,” said Abarr.
