In an effort to support local veteran and military families with the cost of their kids returning to school, the HeroZona Foundation, Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers, American Legion Department of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services will giveaway backpacks and school supplies on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E. Broadway Rd.) in Phoenix.
“Our goal is to make sure that Arizona veterans and military families have the resources they need to send their children to school,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and Co-Founder of the HeroZona Foundation, Alan “AP” Powell. “We are so grateful to those who have served our country and want to help alleviate the stress of the cost associated with going back to school.”
The event is free and open to American Legion members, veteran families and their students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Supplies are limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Proof of American Legion membership or military ID will be required to attend this event. Children must be present with their family in order to receive the school supplies.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Arizona business community to give back to Arizona’s military, veterans and their families,” says Arizona Corporate Council on Veterans Careers Co-Founder and Chairman and Post 65 member Hal Pittman, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). “This Saturday’s backpack giveaway directly targets those military and veteran families who can use some extra support as kids head back to school.”
Veteran and military families will also get a chance to see the newly-renovated Travis L. Williams Post 65. Post 65 received generous donations from community sponsors and partners which aided in updating the building. Prior to this major makeover, the building had not received any upgrades in 20+ years.
“One of our four American Legion Pillars is Children & Youth, so being able to give back to those who served our great country and help children of military families understand that they are a part of a supportive community is very important to us, says American Legion Department of Arizona Adjutant, Angel Juarez.