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Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2024 and updated in June 2025.

"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 .

Youth On Their Own

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 , or via phone call at 520-293-1136. Physical donations can be brought to the Country Club address.

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: Donations are accepted year-round.

Where: Donate or send a check to Tucson Values Teachers at

Learn more .

Real Broker Back to School Drive

Join Real Broker, LLC, for an evening of pickleball, food and giving back. All school supplies will be donated to schools around the Tucson area.

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17

Where: °ä´Ç°ù²ú±ð³Ù³Ù'²õ,Ìý

Learn more .

Where to get backpacks and supplies 🎒

Quincie Douglas Back to School Bash

Families with school-aged children can receive free school supply packs and enjoy free entertainment at this Parks and Rec event. The University of Arizona mobile clinic will also be providing free sports physicals and vaccinations.

When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 12

°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýQuincie Douglas Center,

Learn more .

Back to School Event with Ascension Dynasty

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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: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, July 27

Where: Ascension Dynasty, 

Learn more .

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 and get free haircuts by Supercuts stylists. Attendees must be Children's Clinics families only.

When: 2-5 p.m. Friday, July 11

Where: Children's Clinics Square and Compass Building, 

Learn more .

Lerner and Rowe Free Backpack Giveaway

Lerner and Rowe will be giving away 1,000 stuffed backpacks at this first come, first served event. Students must be present to receive a backpack.

When: 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 30

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 

Learn more .

Back to School event with Monarch Luxury Hair

For its third year, Monarch Luxury Hair is providing free haircuts to all school aged children. This year, the barber shop will also give away goodie bags and hold a special raffle.

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26

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Kidz Expo 

Arizona Bilingual Newspaper is throwing a 'Kidz Expo' back-to-school event where over 2,000 backpacks will be given away to attendees. There will also be live music, raffles, kid-friendly activities and more.

When: 4-9 p.m. Thursday, July 24

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 

Learn more .

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 while enjoying pastries, lunch and ice cream.

When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 26; families are encouraged to arrive early

Where: Palo Verde High Magnet School, 

Learn more .

Badges and Backpacks

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department will be giving away 3,000 backpacks with school supplies along with medical and dental checks, vaccines and coupons for free kid's meals and haircuts. The event is first come, first served and gives one backpack per child.

When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 

Learn more .