Back-to-school drive starts Phoenix-area students off on right foot
Jul 24, 2018, 8:02 AM
(Facebook Photo/BHHS Legacy Foundation)
(Facebook Photo/BHHS Legacy Foundation)
PHOENIX — More than 5,000 children in need will head to classes with new gear they received at the largest back-to-school clothing drive in Arizona this week.
The drive began Monday at Grand Canyon University and will run through Friday. Hours at the arena have been scheduled from 7:45 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The campus at Camelback Road and 33rd Avenue in Phoenix has hosted and co-sponsored the event with Back to School Clothing Drive since 1967.
A personal shopper helps each K-6 student, who has been preregistered by her or his school, pick out wardrobe.
The children get two polo shirts, two pairs of shorts, socks and underwear, a pair of sneakers, a belt, sweatshirt, personal hygiene products and a backpack loaded with school supplies.
During the year, 25,000 students will make use of Back to School Clothing Drive programs.
“Our products may be school uniforms and supplies, but we deliver self-esteem, self-confidence and a successful start to school for thousands of students,” group executive director Karl Gentiles said in a statement.
Other sponsors included Fiesta Bowl Charities and BHHS Legacy Foundation.
Some Phoenix-area schools have already started — Chandler, Higley, Maricopa and Queen Creek districts opened Monday, Apache Junction opened Tuesday — but most districts will begin the new session Aug. 2-9.
