Thousands benefit from Chandler ‘Operation Back to School’

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Thousands of students received grade-specific backpacks filled with school supplies, coupons for free haircuts and some received a free new pair of shoes at the 13th annual Operation Back to School event, held July 11 at Compass Christian Church.

The event, put on by the organization For Our City Chandler in partnership with the church and local businesses, a new pair of shoes and socks were one of the key items that had families lined up around to the back of the church’s main building.

Students who attend a Chandler school or live in Chandler were eligible for the first-come, first-served distribution, which is walk-up only.

The grade-specific backpacks handed out were filled with pencils, folders, pens, and headphones, along with coupons for free haircuts, socks, and underwear.

For Our City leaders stated the volunteers, businesses, churches, nonprofits and community supporters helped make the event happen.

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INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.