The City of Chandler and nonprofit For Our City-Chandler are again organizing "the largest school supply drive in the East Valley" to benefit Chandler students in need, event organizers stated in a release.

"Donations are being requested to ensure Chandler students have essential school supplies to be ready for the upcoming school year," the release stated.

One way to contribute to Operation Back to School Chandler is to donate online at bit.ly/donate-OBTS2022. For those who prefer to donate via cash or check,  email info@forourcitychandler.org.

Local organizations, employee groups and the general public also may organize backpack or school supply drives with (brand new only) items through Thursday, June 23. The following items are requested:

• Backpacks
• Packs of No. 2 pencils (12 ct.)
• Boxes of crayons (24 ct.)
• Packs of colored pencils
• Packs of washable markers
• Highlighters
• Pens (blue or black only)
• Bottles of glue (4 oz.)
• Pink erasers
• Pencil boxes or pouches
• Glue sticks
• Rulers
• Index cards
• Flash drives
• Twin-pocket folders
• Composition books
• Books (preschool reading level)
• Spiral notebooks (wide or college ruled)
• Packs of notebook paper (wide or college ruled)
• Youth shoes, socks, underwear and uniforms in any size for boys or girls

Donated items may be dropped off on the following dates:

• Wednesday, June 22, from 8-10 a.m. at 650 S. Cooper Road, Chandler.
• Wednesday, June 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Chandler City Hall parking garage, 240 S. Washington St.
• Thursday, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Chandler City Hall parking garage, 240 S. Washington St.

Email info@forourcitychandler.org to confirm day and time of drop-off, so staff will be available to help unload vehicles.

This year’s Operation Back to School Chandler event will take place at Chandler High School, 350 N. Arizona Ave.,  8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, with  drive-up service.

Invitations to students to attend the day-of event are being distributed by Chandler Unified School District.

For more information about the donation drive, or to learn about volunteer opportunities for Operation Back to School, visit forourcitychandler.org or contact CC Cantabrana at 480-782-2218 or celia.cantabrana@chandleraz.gov.