A new backpack can carry more than pencils, notebooks and folders. For a student heading into a new school year, it can also bring the confidence that comes from arriving prepared and ready to learn.
On Saturday, July 18, local families can receive free backpacks, grade-appropriate school supplies and eye exams during Peoria’s sixth annual Back-to-School Supply Drive. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave.
Organized by Peoria Firefighters Charities, the annual drive brings together Peoria Unified School District, the City of Peoria, the Peoria Police Officers Association, the Lions Club, Peoria Diamond Club, Raising Cane’s and local volunteers to help students begin the school year with the resources they need.
“Back-to-school season can add a lot of pressure for families, especially when the supply list starts growing,” says Jeff Tobey, Governing Board president for Peoria Unified School District. “This event is a great example of Peoria coming together. Our schools, city partners, first responders and volunteers are all pitching in to help students start the year feeling prepared and supported.”
Families are encouraged to arrive early and join the line designated for their student’s age group. Backpacks and supplies for every grade level will be distributed while supplies last. Teacher supplies will not be offered this year.
Students can also receive free eye exams, while community organizations will host resource tables connecting families with additional services and information.
The sixth annual Peoria Back-to-School Supply Drive includes:
- Free Backpacks. Students can receive a new backpack to help them begin the 2026-27 school year organized and ready for the classroom.
- Grade-Level Supplies. Families will be directed to age-appropriate lines, where students can receive supplies selected for their grade level.
- Free Eye Exams. Students can receive a no-cost vision exam during the event.
- Community Resources. Local organizations will share information and connect families with services that can support a successful start to the school year.
- Community Partnerships. The drive brings together schools, public agencies, first responders, nonprofit organizations, businesses and volunteers from across Peoria.
For the Peoria Unified School District, the drive reflects a broader commitment to helping students succeed. “A community can be defined by how it treats its young people, older residents and neighbors who need support,” Tobey says. “Peoria Unified is proud to be part of a community where people pitch in. How we support our students says a lot about the kind of place we want Peoria to be.”
The sixth annual Back-to-School Supply Drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382. The event is focused on supplies for students; teacher supplies will not be distributed this year.
