5th Annual Phoenix Tools 4 School Sat. July 29 presented by Checkered Flag Run Foundation and The Salvation Army Kroc Center

PHOENIX, June 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — In its efforts to support families locally, Checkered Flag Run Foundation and The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – South Mountain are combining two of the city’s largest back-to-school events into one massive day of service: Fifth Annual “Phoenix Tools 4 School,” Sat., July 29, 2017 from 7a.m. to 11a.m. at the Kroc Center at 1375 East Broadway Road, Phoenix.

Separately, the two events each year furnished supplies and backpacks for 3,000 youth. The new collaboration provides backpacks and school supplies for over 7,000 youth returning to school in August.

Checkered Flag Run Foundation Founder, Alan “AP” Powell, said several free or reduced cost services will be offered.

“We are committed to ensuring kids are classroom-ready at the beginning of the school year. We’re thankful for our partners, community and faith leaders for helping us serve families in Phoenix,” he said.

Those services include free breakfast and haircuts for kids, reduced-price Internet service for families, financial literacy classes and a carnival atmosphere with attractions to prepare families for a year of learning and growth. The free event will mostly be inside the Kroc Center’s 40,000 square foot gym during scorching summer heat.

“Phoenix Tools 4 School” has been endorsed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s Office of Education, who will help distribute backpacks and supplies to kids. The event also is supported by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, Maricopa County District 2 Supervisor Steve Chucri, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department, Laveen School District, Roosevelt School District, First Institutional Baptist Church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Tanner Chapel AME Church and Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65.

Representatives from local professional sports teams will attend including Arizona Diamondbacks Vice President Debbie Castaldo and team mascot, Baxter; Phoenix Suns Head Coach Earl Watson and mascot, Gorilla. Amelia, the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport mascot, also will attend.

For additional information on vendor opportunities, contact Nathan Ullyot at 602-425-5074.

Checkered Flag Run Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 established in 2014 with a mission to provide diverse educational programs that impact students and veterans. Access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment in every student and veteran to cross the “finish line.” For more information, visit www.cfrf.org.