Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Back-to-School Clothing Drive is accepting sponsorships for the upcoming distribution that will help outfit more than 5,000 Title I students in kindergarten through sixth grade with new clothes, new shoes, new backpacks, personal hygiene products and much-needed school supplies.
The New Clothes = New Beginnings distribution event is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18-21 at the Grand Canyon University Arena, according to a press release.
The Grand Canyon University Arena is at 3300 W. Camelback Road.
In addition to the distribution effort, AT Still University will provide dental checkups and fluoride rinses to all children in attendance and St. Mary’s Food Bank will provide each child with a nutritious lunch.
The event also attracts more than 2,500 volunteers to serve children from 152 schools in 40 districts.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
- Corporate Day: $25,000
- Distribution Department Sponsorships: $15,000
- Learning Zone or Backpack Stuffing Sponsorships: $7,500
- Volunteer Break Room Sponsorship: $5,000
- School or District Sponsorships: $3,000
- Individual and Family Sponsorships: $400 or $800
- Each sponsorship level offers a wide range of benefits.
“After a two-year hiatus from the on-site distribution, we’re fully ready for the in-person return of the event,” said Back to School Clothing Drive Executive Director Karl Gentles. “Every year, we are incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the widespread support we receive from the community, support that is so vital in ensuring we are able to provide these children with essentials so that they can focus on their education. We hope to see even more sponsors join us this year.”
Each child receives two polo shirts, two pairs of shorts, a backpack filled with school supplies, a pair of sneakers, three pairs of socks and underwear, a belt, a dental hygiene kit, handmade accessories and books. The retail value of the clothing and supplies each child receives is valued at $350.
Back-to-School Clothing Drive distributes $1.75 million worth of clothing and supplies every year.
All students participating in the New Clothes = New Beginnings event have been pre-registered by their schools based on need. Unregistered children will not be admitted to the event. Parents are advised to check with their children’s schools about how to participate in next year’s event.
