2008 Distribution Sets Records
More than 5,300 kids receive new clothes, school supplies

(July 29, 2008) - In what can only be described as “amazing”, the Back to School Clothing Drive delivered on its promise by serving more than 5,000 kids at its annual Distribution event held July 21-25 at Phoenix Preparatory Academy.

All told, 5,341 kids paraded through the department store set up in the Academy’s gymnasium to collect their free clothes, school supplies, backpacks and sneakers. Helping as personal shoppers and department workers were over 2,000 volunteers from Valley corporations and civic organizations.

Distribution by the numbers:
Total kids served: 5,341 (M-1,154; T-1,018; W-1,070; Th-1,121; F-978).
Growth over 2007: 1,411 or 31% (5,341 vs. 4,089); 38% over 2006
Total participation rate: 97% (5,341 of 5,500 registered)
Total number of Schools: 129
Total School Districts: 29

Self esteem and self confidence packed in clothes and supplies
Along with all the clothes, school supplies, sneakers and other items, every kid participating in the program left with more than material goods. Behind the smiles and laughs every child left with a boost to their self esteem and confidence, critical characteristics required for their first day of school.

Snapshot of Items Kids Received:

Girls clothing items: 3.226; Boys clothing items: 5,528.
5,300 backpacks plus an additional 4,000 provided to BHHS Legacy Foundation in support of Backpack Buddies Program for schools in Northern Arizona.

10,000 school uniform polo shirts, 10,000 sweatshirts, 5,300 shorts & skorts, 5,300 belts, 15,000 boys boxers, 15,00 girls underwear, more than 20,000 socks, 5,300 Phoenix Suns baseball hats courtesy of the Phoenix Suns.

Girl’s accessories: Purses - 510; bracelets - 3,407; scarves - 2127; scrunchies - 3,697; hats - 344. We also gave out some hand-made slippers, decorated flip flops and crocheted belts.

Boy’s accessories: Key rings and zipper pulls - 2,467; caps - 1,406, as well as wallets, sports bags and slippers. Over 3,000 children received a "crazy" pen, courtesy of Boys Team Charities.

Planning for next year’s event is already underway. If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation you can do so by calling (623) 842-1727 or via email at btscda@qwestoffice.net.