NW Valley Times

Students exited Grand Canyon University's Global Credit Union Arena after a day of shopping during the Back-to-School Clothing Drive's distribution event on Monday.

As a class of schoolchildren from Tempe’s Arredondo Elementary School left the arena, Robert Smith called out, “Wait! Everybody gets a hat, too!” He and other volunteers quickly handed out Phoenix Suns ballcaps with the words “Be Sun Safe” to the excited children.

Their chaperone, Paulette Driver, observed their enthusiasm. She carried a large bag for one student who couldn't manage it himself due to its size. The shopping event, which continues through Wednesday, is expected to serve around 3,000 students from 130 schools in 30 districts across Maricopa County.

“It’s just wonderful,” said Driver. She was impressed by the scale of the event and noted that she had not realized how extensive it was beyond providing uniforms and shoes.

GCU Vice President of Business Analytics Dilek Marsh assisted a student with fitting new shoes during the drive. GCU has partnered with the nonprofit for ten years. In addition to hats, students received backpacks and Girl Scout cookies.

“This is a landmark year – the 10th year – that this clothing distribution event has been held at GCU,” said Karl Gentles, Back-to-School Clothing Drive executive director. He emphasized that beyond providing basics, they aim to give students an experience on a college campus.

Students began their shopping with personal shoppers like Phoenix police reserve officer R.E. Osborn. One girl he accompanied mentioned she didn’t get everything she wanted; Osborn made sure she received her desired bracelet.

In addition to clothing items such as polo shirts and shoes, kindergarteners through sixth graders visited various departments within the arena for additional supplies. On the second floor, dental students from A.T. Still University provided free dental care.

Flor McCarrick from the National Charity League engaged children with educational questions about animals’ teeth strength while volunteering alongside her daughter Isabella.

Vladimir Dahl from Wells Fargo asked children trivia questions about sugar content in beverages while emphasizing education’s importance at his table.

Phoenix police officer Jamie Jesty served as a volunteer shopping buddy during the event. Other volunteers provided educational activities related to animal identification and robotics.

Manager of internal communications Lana Sweeten-Shults can be reached at [email protected] or at 602-639-7901.

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