What started as a small community effort by Peoria Firefighter Stephen Gunn and his wife has grown into a city-wide event helping hundreds of local families. This year marks the fifth annual Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway hosted by Peoria Firefighter Charities—and it’s bigger than ever.
On Saturday, July 26th the Peoria Fire Department will host the event at the Peoria Sports Complex, providing free backpacks and school supplies to both students and teachers. Kids and teens will be able to select backpacks tailored to their grade level, along with supplies like pencils, paper, folders, binders, and art materials. Free haircuts and vision screenings will also be offered on-site, with double the number of barbers and added hairdressers for styling.
In its second year, the event’s Teacher Appreciation element ensures that educators are also supported with classroom staples such as dry-erase markers and Post-It notes. Any leftover supplies are redistributed to Peoria’s 24 Title I schools, ensuring students who can't attend still receive help.
Last year, over 1,000 backpacks were given away, and that same level of impact is expected this year thanks to support from local partners like Christ’s Church of the Valley, the Peoria Police Officers Association, and grants from the City of Peoria.
Firefighter Gunn says the goal is simple: make back-to-school season something all children can look forward to, regardless of their circumstances.
📍 Event Details:
Date: Saturday, July 26
Location: Peoria Sports Complex
Hosted by: Peoria Firefighter Charities
Who It’s For: Students of all ages + teachers
What’s Included: Grade-level backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, vision screenings. Learn more at PFFC.org
Donations are still being accepted. The event flyer includes a QR code with more information on how to support local students and teachers. You can also donate using this link.
