The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank is issuing an appeal for community donations and volunteers as it prepares to outfit a record 888 local students for the upcoming school year through its Backpacks & More 2026 campaign.
The annual program provides registered preschool through eighth-grade students in Avondale, Buckeye, Cashion, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson with a backpack, school supplies, a pair of shoes, and two school uniforms at no cost to the families.
While student registration for the assistance has closed, organizers say community funding is critical to fulfilling the requests of those who signed up. The drive comes at a challenging time for the nonprofit, which has been stretched thin by a nearly 15% increase in families seeking emergency food assistance over the past year.
"People are working and doing everything they can, and it’s still not enough," said Leanne Leonard, executive director of the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank. "We’re seeing neighbors who have never needed assistance before walking through our doors."
Last year, the program served a record 868 students. With demand climbing due to rising living costs, the organization is seeking individual donations and corporate sponsorships to bridge the gap for this year's 888 children. The cost to sponsor supplies, shoes, socks, and uniforms for a single student is $50.
Beyond back-to-school needs, the nonprofit is facing a parallel summer need on its shelves. Rising seasonal temperatures have triggered an increase in requests for basic hygiene products.
Officials are asking the public to consider hosting neighborhood hygiene drives or donating items such as shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, laundry pods, lotion, and toothpaste.
These physical donations can be dropped off 8 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday at the food bank, 405 E Harrison Drive in Avondale.
The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank serves about 50,000 people annually through emergency food boxes, a baby care program, mobile food pantries, and a daily lunch sack program for unsheltered residents. According to the organization, nearly 2 million Arizonans experience food insecurity each year, and one in three children in the state lives in poverty.
"Steady help is critical to keeping services available," Leonard said.
Those interested in making a financial contribution, donating hygiene supplies, or signing up for a volunteer shift can find more information and donate directly at affcb.org.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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