Where to get free school supplies in metro Phoenix and Arizona in 2023

Published: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 - 3:05pm
Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 - 7:22am

As the back-to-school rush starts, organizations around the Valley and state are holding events to provide free school supplies.

Below are some upcoming events for students as well as parents and caregivers.

Friday, July 28

Tucson - Lerner & Rowe Gives Back contactless backpack giveaway

This first-come, first-served event offers supply-filled backpacks. Students must be present in vehicles.

Saturday, July 29

Phoenix - Lerner & Rowe Gives Back contactless backpack giveaway

This first-come, first-served event offers supply-filled backpacks. Students must be present in vehicles.

Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado Back to School giveaway

This giveaway event held by the councilwoman from Phoenix’s District 5 also includes gift cards for school clothes and free haircuts. Students must be present and items are first-come, first-served.

HeroZona Foundation Phoenix Tools 4 School

This drive-through giveaway is back for its 11th year with support from the HeroZona Foundation, APS and others. The first-come, first-served event is open to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Students must be present in the vehicles.

Phoenix Rescue Mission

This giveaway event returns in person this year. Families will need the names and birthdates of all children from preschool through eighth grade to receive supplies or uniforms.

Arizona Guide Right Foundation

A number of community organizations along with the city of Phoenix Fire and Parks and Recreation departments are hosting this giveaway. Students will receive backpacks filled with school supplies including notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and more.

  • Noon-3 p.m.
  • Faye Gray Recreation Center
  • 5550 S 20th St., Phoenix

For foster children only - Arizona Helping Hands pop-up shops

Arizona Helping Hands, a nonprofit that assists families with foster children, is offering “pop-up shops” for school supplies at four Arizona locations this week. Supplies include a pencil box, highlighter, glue sticks, markers and more.

  • Yuma - Thursday, July 27
  • Goodyear - Friday, July 28

More information: Facebook, azhelpinghands.org

Education Retail + Consumer