THATCHER — The Academic Programs building at Eastern Arizona College was packed with families Saturday, gathering information and much-needed school supplies.
The Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition held its 15th annual Back to School Resource Fair and Coalition Director Kathy Grimes said this year’s event may have had the most families attend.
“We have, probably, more vendors this year than we’ve had in the past, and we have even just businesses donating money to help with the event,” Grimes said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Sponsors included:
- Mount Graham Regional Medical Center
- Arizona @ Work
- First Things First
- United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties
- Angel’s Closet
- Canyonlands Healthcare
- Community Medical Services
- Tucson Medical Center SafeKids
- Small Business Development Center at EAC
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Great Communities Resource Center (GCRC)
- Southeastern Arizona Health Education Center (SEAHEC)
- Safford Lions Club
- Child and Family Resources
- GFWC Woman’s Club of Safford
- Graham County
- University of Arizona
- Eastern Arizona College
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
There are two more back-to-school events scheduled for this weekend.
On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Angel’s Closet, at 425 E. 4th Street in Safford, will be making children’s clothing and shoes available for free, thanks to support from the community, the Light the World Giving Machines and Freeport-McMoRan employee donations.
Then, from 4-8 p.m., Multi-Vendor Events will present the Back-to-School Bash in the parking lot of Tractor Supply in Thatcher. There will be giveaways, a back-to-school raffle, activities for the kids, vendors and more.
There is no cost to attend any back-to-school event and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Safford and Solomon share the same first day of school this year, Wednesday, July 24. Fort Thomas’ first day is Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Pima and Thatcher start Wednesday, Aug. 7.
