Back to School Backpack Giveaway on August 3

Phoenix City Councilperson Betty Guardado will host her 4th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway on August 3.Photo bynote thanunonUnsplash

PHOENIX — City of Phoenix Councilperson Betty Guardado is inviting the community to the 4th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway on August 3 at 6 p.m.

The event will be held at American Family Fields of Phoenix, located in Maryvale, at 3600 N. 51st Avenue. The venue, known for hosting Milwaukee Brewers’ Spring Training, is a well-known location for local events.

Guardado, who also served as Vice Mayor of Phoenix from November 2019 to January 2021, has spearheaded this initiative for the past four years, providing essential school supplies to families in need.

Last year’s giveaway distributed 1,000 backpacks, and this year’s goal is to exceed that number with over 1,200 backpacks. Each backpack will be filled with pencils, water bottles, notebooks, and other school essentials, according to Guardado.

“It’s essential that we come together as a community to support our youth,” Guardado said. “Providing these resources helps not only to prepare our students for the school year but also alleviates some of the financial burdens on their families. A huge thank you to our sponsors for their support.”

Guardado and her husband have lived in the Maryvale neighborhood for twelve years, where they raise their two children, according to her bio.

According to a press release from Zul Lopez, Guardado’s media contact, sponsors for this year’s event include Amazon, Cox, Starbucks, and Mima’s Beauty College.

Additionally, BBB Fashion will contribute over $20,000 in gift cards to help families purchase new clothing. Mima’s Beauty College will also offer free haircuts to attendees, ensuring students start the school year with a refreshed look.

The event is open to the public, and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Organizers encourage early arrival to ensure participation.

For more information, email council.district.5@phoenix.gov.