Editorial Note: The July 2018 Back-to-School Drive of school supplies has ended. Financial contributions can be made to our August Back-to-School Campaign in partnership with Quicken Loans via Crowdrise.

Southwest Human Development is partnering with Famous Dave’s locations for the fourth annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, giving the community an opportunity to help children in need begin the school year with all of the tools they need for academic success.

The National Retail Federation reports that families with children in elementary through high school planned to spend an average of more than $680 per child in 2017. For families in low-income neighborhoods, the costs are simply not realistic. Donating new school supplies to children in disadvantaged communities will make an impact in their ability to begin the school year school-ready.

You can help by donating new school supplies to children in need by purchasing them from Southwest Human Development’s online shopping cart, or by dropping supplies off at participating business locations.

New school supplies needed include:

Back-to-school items can be dropped off at Southwest Human Development, 2850 N. 24th Street, Phoenix; or at any of the four Valley Famous Dave’s Restaurants: Chandler at 3250 W. Frye Rd.; Peoria at 16148 N. 83rd Ave., San Tan Village in Gilbert at 2206 E. Williams Field Rd. and Mesa Riverview at 1011 Dobson Rd.

As a special incentive during this school supply drive, anyone who not only donates supplies, but also a new, book-size backpack at one of the Valley Famous Dave’s locations, will receive a voucher for a free Smoked Brisket sandwich. One per person.

Added bonus: Items donated through Southwest Human Development’s school supply drive online shopping cart are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit!

Donate school supplies today at swhd.org/schoolready!