HonorHealth Desert Mission’s Back to School Program

2025 Back to School Drive

Donations accepted through Tuesday, July 1

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 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)
  

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 Tuesday, July 1 (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 school supplies:

• Backpacks
• Zippered binders
• Colored pencils
• Crayons (24-pack, classic color)
• Washable markers
• Folders (laminated or plastic)
• Glue sticks
• Pencil pouches
• Rulers (12-inch)
• Assorted color 3-ring pencil pouches
• Single subject spiral notebooks (college or wide ruled)
• 5-inch blunt or pointed tip scissors

Drop-off locations and details:

Dropping off donations at Desert Mission Food Bank

Back to School 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 by June 1.

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).

Have a large pick-up? 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.

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!

Quick Links:

Support Our Program

Donate today!

Flyers

Coming soon!

Summertime Resources to Share

Free Summer Meals for Kids

Kids’ Physical and Mental Health

More resources coming soon!