Nonprofit hosts back-to-school event to give away school supplies

The Mesa Prevention Alliance, powered by Community Bridges, Inc., will host its 6th Annual Back-to-School Event on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Mesa High School, 1630 E. Southern Avenue.

The free event is expected to serve 1,800 to 2,000 students and families by distributing more than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for K–12 students.

In addition to backpacks and school supplies, families can receive free dental kits and health screenings provided by the University of Arizona Mobile Health Program, haircuts, socks, school uniform shirts, cell phone vouchers from Cricket Wireless, booster seats, children's activities, community resources and a visit from Arizona Diamondbacks mascot Baxter the Bobcat.

The event is open to everyone. In keeping with CBI’s 'no wrong door' philosophy, there are no eligibility requirements and no pre-registration is required. Supplies and giveaways will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Each year, this event grows because our community continues to come together to support local families," said Natalia Chimbo-Andrade, Director of Community Education & Outreach at Community Bridges, Inc. "With the support of Molina Healthcare, the Arizona Diamondbacks, SRP, the City of Mesa, our volunteers and many other partners, we are helping thousands of children begin the school year prepared to succeed."

Last year's event welcomed 1,823 attendees and distributed 1,323 backpacks. Over the past six years, the annual event has helped more than 8,000 students and family members prepare for the start of the school year. More than 75 volunteers typically help prepare for and operate the event.

National retail forecasts estimate families will spend an average of approximately $858 per household on back-to-school purchases. By providing free backpacks, school supplies and other essential resources, the event helps reduce that financial burden while connecting families with valuable community services.

For questions, email communityeducation@cbridges.com. To donate school supplies, email  nchimbo-andrade@cbridges.com.