Programs
Back to School Clothing Drive is the largest and oldest distributor of school uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies to children in the Valley of the Sun.
Please note: We work exclusively through Valley elementary schools. As such, we are not a direct service provider to invididuals or the general public. Partner schools and allocated 50-100 slots for their school and are registered well in advance for our event. You must contact your child’s elementary school, determine if they are a participant in our programs, and sign up to attent the annual distribution event held each July. We do not accept walk-in’s at the event.
Requirements for Schools and Select Social Servie Agencies to Particpate
If you represent a K-6 Title 1 elementary school or social service agency in Maricopa County you may be able to participate in the program based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact your school’s superintendent to determine if other schools in your district participate and then contact us to register your school. Participating schools and agencies must bus their children to the event. Families are not allowed to attend or drop their children off at the event. This is a no exception policy. All participants from each school must arrive together as a group on the same bus and leave as a group. Social service agencies designated to particpate must arrange for transportation of their children as a group to and from the event. If this cannot be arranged then your school, agency or organization cannot participate.
Families in Need of Assistance
If your family is in need of clothing and school supplies, you can contact your child’s elementary school and ask if they have any clothes available form their clothing closets. Alternatively, you can contact the Salvation Army, Assistance League of Phoenix, or the City of Phoenix Family Services Center for potential help.
Our Two Signature Programs
The 2009 New Clothes New Beginnings Annual Distribution is over. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and our partner schools. Over 4,300 kids attended the event through their elementary school or social service agency and another 4,000 received backpacks and school supplies through our partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation. The 2010 Distribution dates will be announced soon.
Want to register your school? Contact Registration Coordinator Paige Finley at (602) 319-3206.
To volunteer at our event, contact Distribution Volunteer Coordinator Denise Padias at dpadias@cox.net, (602) 978-5849
Download volunteer information sheet
Event Overview
Each July, more than 4,500 Valley school children receive school uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies. The Distribution event is held at the Phoenix Preparatory Academy where the gymnasium is transformed into a department store that becomes a shopping extravaganza for our kids. The annual event attracts more than 2,500 volunteers to help over the one-week event from local corporations, small businesses, high schools, other civic and other charitable organizations. Back to School currently serves 130 schools from 40 Maricopa County school districts.
Students Attire For Education (SAFE)
ATTENTION: SCHOOLS RECEIVING VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST MONEY
You can double your money received through the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust by simply becoming a Back to School SAFE School! Apply now as funds are limited to first-come-first-serve.
School Administrators:
Apply for SAFE matching grant funds
Founded by Stardust Chairman and CEO, Jerry Bisgrove, our signature SAFE program helps schools with mandatory school uniform policies provide clothing assistance to children in need. Schools must be classified as Title 1 schools to participate. Back to School Clothing Drive provides matching funds up to $2,500 to eligible schools who in turn purchase the uniforms they need for the day closets to assist students in need. Learn more about the SAFE program and download and application under Our Programs. On May 1, you will be able to submit your application and shop for your clothes directly online here on our web site!
