HonorHealth Desert Mission’s Back to School Program

2024 Back to School Supply & Healthy Food Drive

Monday, June 3 – Friday, July 5

This year, HonorHealth Desert Mission is teaming up with the American Heart Association for our Back to School Supply & Healthy Food Drive.

Every child deserves equal opportunity and access to a quality education. By participating, you are ensuring children in our community have access to school supplies and nutritious foods (brain power!) over the summertime to set them up for success once school begins.

Did you know? Educators reported that when children have access to free school supplies, they experience a(n):

• 91%: Increase in preparedness
• 83%: Significant increase in participation
• 78%: Significant increase in student self-esteem
  (As reported by the Kids in Need Foundation)
  

In addition, some children receive their largest (sometimes, their only) meal at school– and many families depend on this. But what happens when school is out? In the summertime, Desert Mission Food Bank experiences a large increase in the number of households served per day, all the while, our food donations tend to decrease. Consider donating heart-healthy, shelf-stable foods with your school supplies to ensure children and their families are supported this summer.

Ways to participate:

1. Find a collection bin near you

   • Make sure to drop off your items before the bin’s scheduled pick-up date (see location and pick-up schedule below)

2. Set up a collection drive at your organization/business or in your department

   • Create separate collection bins/boxes for “school supplies” and “healthy food” donations
   • Download our flyers in the “Quick Links” section above to stick on your collection bins/boxes
   • Take tons of photos once your drive is complete – we’d love to see them! Tag us on @honorhealthaz or email ktoscas@honorhealth.com
   • Drop off donated items by Friday, July 5 (see details below)

3. Donate to support our program

4. Spread the word!

   • Tag your Back-to-School Drive crew @honorhealthaz
   • Download & share our flyers in the “Quick Links” section above

Most needed items:

Recommended school supplies: 

• Backpacks
• Zipper binders
• Assorted color 3-ring pencil pouches
• Folders (laminated or plastic)
• Single subject spiral notebooks (college and wide ruled)
• 24-pack of classic colored crayons, washable markers and/or colored pencils
• Pack of #2 pencils
• 5-inch blunt or pointed tip scissors
• Glue sticks
• 12-inch rulers

Foods to encourage:

• Beans, lentils and nuts
• Canned fruit in light syrup or 100% juice
• Canned chicken and tuna in water
• Canola, sesame and olive oils
• Dried fruits with no added sugars
• Dried herbs and spices
• Low-sodium canned meals, soups and vegetables
• Natural peanut and other nut butters
• Green and white tea
• Whole grain and high fiber cereals
• Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice and oats
• Whole wheat crackers or pastas

*Please note: Foods must be unopened and must contain a nutrition label. 

Drop-off locations and details:

Dropping off donations at Desert Mission Food Bank

Back to School and food donations can be dropped off at Desert Mission Food Bank (9229 N 4th St., Phoenix) during our hours of operation.

Please pull into the loading area to the left of the food bank entrance. Ring the doorbell and our friendly staff or volunteers will assist you.

Donation bin locations & schedule  

Collection bins will be placed at the locations below beginning Monday, June 3. Please ensure donations are brought to the bins prior to the date listed below to make sure they are included with our final pick-up. If you’d like to make a donation after our scheduled pick-up dates, please drop them off at Desert Mission Food Bank during our hours of operation (see details above).

If your organization has collected a large number of items and you are in need of a truck pick-up, please contact Krystina Toscas at ktoscas@honorhealth.com for more information.

Questions about our pick-up schedule or hoping to add a new location? Please contact Krystina Toscas at ktoscas@honorhealth.com for information.

Unable to donate supplies but want to support our program?  

HonorHealth Desert Mission is a qualifying charitable organization! Financial contributions to Desert Mission will be used towards supporting our community and those in need. Visit our donation page to make a contribution today!

Thank you for your support!