BHHS Legacy Foundation’s Backpack Buddies Outfits Over 2,000 Students for the School Year

More than 2,000 Valley students are heading into the school year equipped for success after BHHS Legacy Foundation hosted its annual Backpack Buddies distribution at Phoenix College this July. The signature three-day event transformed the campus into a department-store-style shopping experience for foster children and students attending Title I schools across Maricopa County.

Arriving by bus, each child was paired with a personal volunteer shopper to select brand-new school uniforms, shoes, hygiene essentials, backpacks and supplies, as well as handmade garments from the foundation’s Stitches of Love initiative.

“Backpack Buddies is truly a community effort, and we’re so grateful to have Phoenix College as a partner,” said Janette Lopez, Backpack Buddies program manager. “This year, together, we were able to help 2,024 children start the school year with the supplies, resources and support they need to feel prepared and confident.”

While the July gathering is a flagship effort, Backpack Buddies impacts students all year long. In addition to hosting two dedicated distributions for military families at Luke Air Force Base, the program maintains 10 Emergency Clothing Closets on school campuses across Maricopa County, promotes reading through the Legacy Library initiative, and provides hand-sewn clothing and accessories sewn by Stitches of Love volunteers.

Beyond academic supplies, the event delivered comprehensive health and educational support. Midwestern University’s College of Optometry and College of Dental Medicine provided on-site vision and dental screenings. St. Mary’s Food Bank served lunches. Students also took part in STEM demonstrations, exploring virtual reality headsets and watching live 3D printing in the college labs.

“What made this year especially meaningful was being able to offer even more to these families, from vision screenings and a STEM camp to a full lunch and hands-on activities in our Learning Zone,” Lopez said. “Seeing the kids engaged, excited and ready to learn is what makes this program so special.”

The effort brought together a broad coalition of community champions, including the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Delta Dental of Arizona, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, Gregory’s Fresh Market, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, the National Charity League, and Boys Team Charity.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Phoenix College for opening its doors and helping us make a real difference for so many children,” Lopez said. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit bhhslegacy.org.