Pima County Sheriff's Department To Hold School Supply Drive

TUCSON, AZ — The Pima County Sheriff's Department isn’t letting the coronavirus stop it from helping kids in need. The department is holding its annual Badges and Backpacks school supply drive in August, though this year’s event has been restructured as a drive-thru in light of the pandemic.

Those without a car will be allowed to walk up and take part in the drive, though a school-aged child must be present in order to receive a free backpack stuffed with school supplies.

Pima County residents will have four different opportunities to take part in Badges and Backpacks. All four events will be held from 8-10 a.m. over the next two weekends, though the locations will change. The first drive will be on Aug. 1 at Flowing Wells High School, followed by another the following day at Sunnyside High School. The next one will take place on Aug. 8 at Cinega High School and the final event will be on Aug. 9 at Rincon High School.

Five-hundred backpacks will be given out at each event while supplies last. The school supplies were donated by Banner Aetna and several other partners.

The Badges and Backpacks school supply drive has been taking place in Pima County for the last six years. According to PCSD, last year’s event drew over 4,000 attendees and 2,000 backpacks were handed out before the start of the school year.

More information about the drive can be found here.