Grand Canyon University (GCU) will host a backpack distribution event on July 28, in partnership with Lerner and Rowe Gives Back, the charitable division of Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. The event will provide 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to K-12 students at GCU’s business complex on 27th Avenue and Camelback Road. This marks the first time the annual giveaway is being held on the university’s campus.
The distribution is part of a larger effort by Lerner and Rowe Gives Back, which plans to distribute 6,500 backpacks across six events in four states this year. Organizers say that moving the event to GCU allows for greater community participation.
Kevin Rowe, founder of Lerner and Rowe Gives Back and managing partner of Lerner and Rowe, said his team is excited about collaborating with GCU. “It became clear that teaming up with GCU was the perfect opportunity to help uplift and support families throughout the West Valley,” he said. “Our backpack giveaway is about more than school supplies – it’s about showing kids and families that their community is cheering them on.”
Backpacks will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to students who attend in person with an adult. The event will also feature activities such as face painting, balloons, free giveaways, popcorn, and an ice cream truck. Additional partners include Phoenix Raceway’s Zoom Crew, local influencers, and Somos Dental, which will offer appointments for free X-rays and dental exams.
In addition to providing backpacks, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back awarded a $15,000 grant to GCU CityServe. Since 2021, GCU CityServe has worked with over 100 churches and nonprofits to distribute household goods like beds, furniture, heaters, diapers, and food to more than 74,000 families in need.
Noah Wolfe, senior director of GCU Development and Advancement said: “Together, Lerner and Rowe and GCU are immediately impacting lives in our community.”
Steven Owens, director of Donor Stewardship and Development for GCU added: “This generous gift from Lerner and Rowe Gives Back will help enhance the ongoing work of GCU CityServe by expanding our ability to serve families in the West Valley. Support like this allows us to strengthen our distribution efforts – especially for largescale events focused on providing food and other essential items – while continuing to build meaningful connections with our surrounding community.”
The backpack distribution event at GCU is one of several taking place across Arizona—other sites include Tucson, Yuma, and Bullhead City—as well as locations in Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Chicago.
