Overview

Clean clothes, shoes that fit, and a backpack stocked with school supplies … most children don’t think twice about getting these necessities when they start school. But for children whose families can’t afford them, such items – and the self confidence they bring – are hopelessly out of reach. Founded in 1967, Back to School Clothing Drive provides these fundamental items to high-need children throughout Arizona. Through our three programs we help more than 25,000 children from 260+ schools in 40 school districts. These programs help break down barriers to early childhood school success, build self-esteem and self-confidence, and ultimately confident, strong students ready to learn, achieve, and advance. Our Mission: We help break down barriers to early childhood school and education success by providing new school outfits and uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies to children in need. Our Programs: Each July, more than 9,500 students benefit from our “New Clothes, New Beginnings” clothing distribution through our partnership with BHHS Legacy Foundation’s “Backpack Buddies” program. Our Student Attire for Education (SAFE) program offers matching grants to schools that shop in our online store to fill their onsite clothing closets. All proceeds from the store are invested back into our program to fund additional grants and help more children. Finally, Our Stitches of Love program consists of 500 volunteer seamstresses who sew clothes all year so students can return to school with an item that was handmade just for them. With the help of our volunteers, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and donors, Back to School Clothing Drive allows students to focus on what’s truly important – getting an education.