"Where has the summer gone?" is the question we're all asking ourselves.
It feels like the season of sun and fun just started, but sounds of school bells are right around the corner.
Local groups have been hosting donation drives for school supplies since the beginning of summer, and distributions will begin in the next few weeks to help give parents a break from the financial burden that back-to-school shopping can bring.
Here's where you can find both donation and distribution drives near you:
Where to drop off donations ✏️
Salvation Army Tucson
The Salvation Army has teamed up with Fry's Food Stores to lend a hand to the community. Items to donate include backpacks, colored pencils, pens, pencils, markers, sharpeners, paper, notebooks and more. Help Salvation Army "level the playing field" by donating at your local Fry's.
When: Now through July 28
Where: Any Fry's location in Tucson
Learn more here.
Youth On Their Own Back to School Challenge
Youth On Their Own, also known as YOTO, is a dropout prevention program that supports youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County. The program is raising funds and collecting items to donate to an estimated 1,600 local students. Donations needed include school supplies, hygiene and household items and nonperishable food.
When: Donations are accepted year-round
Where: Financial donations can be made in person, via mail at the YOTO office at 2525 N. Country Club Road, online or via phone call at 520-293-1136. Physical donations can be brought to the Country Club address or purchased through an Amazon Wish List.
Learn more here.
Tucson Supplies Teachers
Tucson Supplies Teachers collaborates with community partners to help offset the $500 to $1,000 teachers spend out-of-pocket to purchase school supplies.
When: Teacher registration will run through Aug. 31; donations are accepted year-round.
Where: Donate online or send a check to Tucson Values Teachers at 1760 E River Road
Learn more here.
Aviva Children's Services
Aviva is accepting donations of backpacks and school supplies for foster youth. Donations needed include backpacks, dry erase markers, spiral notebooks, calculators, binders, erasers, index cards, highlighters and more.
When: Donations are accepted year-round
Where: Donations can be dropped off at 153 S. Plumer Ave. or sent directly to Aviva using an online registry
Learn more here.
Girl Scout Cristabella Camarena (center) hands a free backpack to guests at the Badges and Backpacks event in 2019.
Where to get backpacks and supplies 🎒
Quincie Douglas Back to School Bash
Families with school-aged children can receive free backpacks with school supplies, along with snacks and bike repairs, and enjoy free entertainment at this Parks and Rec event. There will be more than 40 vendors at the event handing out information and resources to Tucson families. Ready, Set, Rec! will be set up with games and activities and Tucson police will give away booster seats to children who meet the requirements.
When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 13
Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.
Learn more here.
Back to School Event with Ascension Dynasty
Barber shop Ascension Dynasty is hosting a back-to-school event featuring free school supplies and free haircuts for kids ages 5-18. They're also accepting donations of school supplies!
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where: Ascension Dynasty, 1150 N. Silverbell Road
Learn more here.
Children's Clinics Back to School Fair
Children's Clinics families can head to this back to school fair to pick up backpacks and supplies, get free haircuts by stylists from Supercuts and grab an Eegee and hot dog from Portillo's. Attendees must be Children's Clinics families only.
When: 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, July 17
Where: Children's Clinics Square and Compass Building, 2600 N. Wyatt Dr.
Learn more here.
Lerner and Rowe Free Backpack Giveaway
Lerner and Rowe will be giving away 750 stuffed backpacks at this first come, first served event. Students must be present to receive a backpack.
When: 10 a.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road
Learn more here.
Back to School event with Monarch Luxury Hair
For its second year, Monarch Luxury Hair is providing free haircuts to kids ages 5-18. This year, the barber shop will also give away school supplies and pizza from Twin Peaks Pizzeria.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21
Where: 7575 W. Twin Peaks Road
Learn more here.
Kidz Expo
Arizona Bilingual Newspaper is throwing a Kidz Expo and back-to-school event where over 3,000 backpacks will be given away, in addition to 5,000 textbooks in Spanish. There will also be live music, raffles, kid-friendly activities and more.
When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Learn more here.
Impact Family and Community Resource Fair
TUSD students and families can take part in games and activities at the Impact Family and Community Resource Fair. Families will be given one stamp card per student and must visit seven resource booths in order to receive a free backpack.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 27; families are encouraged to arrive early
Where: Palo Verde High Magnet School, 1302 S. Avenida Vega
Learn more here.
Tanna's Botonnas Backpack Drive
Spicy candy shop Tanna's Botonnas is partnering with local DJ Truly to give away backpacks and supplies. For those interested, there is still time to donate. Email tannasbotannas@gmail.com to learn more about donating through July 22.
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27
Where: Tanna's Botannas, 4426 S. Sixth Ave.
Learn more here.
Badges and Backpacks
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department will be giving away 1,000 backpacks with school supplies along with hearing, physicals, vision and dental checks, vaccines and coupons for free kid's meals and haircuts. The department will also give classroom supplies and law enforcement demos to the school with the highest attendance. The event is first come, first served and gives one backpack per child.
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Learn more here.
