THATCHER — For the 16th year, Gila Valley parents are getting some help when it comes to getting the kids ready for school.
The Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition’s Back to School Resource Fair will take place Saturday, July 12, from 8-11 a.m., inside Eastern Arizona College’s AP Building.
The free event features information on services available to families in the Gila Valley, as well giveaways of needed school supplies for all ages from the event partners, including 500 free backpacks.
“We do a little different school supplies for the younger kids versus the older kids. We provide them with crayons and the composition notebooks, and the older kids we do the spiral notebooks and the colored pencils. You know, just different things for each age group,” said Kathy Grimes, executive director for the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition.
Parents can also get vouchers for free kids clothing from the GCRC Thrift Store and Angel’s Closet.
Sponsors include: Freeport-McMoRan, Safford Lions Club, Walton Drug, Arizona @ Work, Canyonlands Healthcare, Community Medical Services, Great Communities Resource Center (GCRC), Angel’s Closet Clothing Bank and Food Pantry, Mt. Graham Safe House, American Legion Auxiliary, Southeastern Arizona Health Education Center (SEAHEC), Child and Family Resources, Graham County, University of Arizona, Eastern Arizona College and Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition.
Angel’s Closet will also be open for free clothing Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, for those who cannot travel to Thatcher. Angel’s Closet announced it has new underwear and socks for children, thanks to a donation by the City of Safford, as well as gently used clothing items.
Angel’s Closet is located at 425 E. 4th Street in Safford.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 8:07 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025, to correct the date of the event.
