Tucson, Arizona (KVOA) – Thanks to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, many local children in need will soon be ready for school.

On Friday, they packed 2,700 backpacks as part of their “Badges and Backpacks” event.

Behind me are hundreds of boxes…and inside those boxes are thousands of backpacks full of school supplies to help students in our community.

Alejandro Aparategui said: “We need to make sure that children have everything they can afford to succeed. That’s our goal.”

A 16-year veteran, Alejandro Aparategui is a volunteer for this project.

“The look of joy on their faces, the happy look on their faces when they say, ‘Hey, I got a backpack for school,’ makes me emotional. It makes a big difference.” said Aparategui.

On an organized assembly line, volunteers unpacked, stuffed, and repacked backpacks alongside Aparategui.

“We volunteer to serve the sheriff’s department and are one big happy family,” Aparategui said. “Whatever the Sheriff’s Department needs, volunteers are willing to help.”

Backpacks will be distributed at the Tucson Convention Center on June 17th. First-come, first-served, only one backpack per child, child’s birth certificate or parent’s presence required.

Sheriff Chris Nanos said, “I’m looking forward to seeing you all.” “We usually take thousands of kids there and that’s what we’re going for. Get them ready for school and we want them to succeed.” This gives them a head start on doing the right thing.”

In addition to backpacks, the event offers complimentary coupons for hearing, physical, vision, dental, COVID-19/flu vaccinations, and children’s meals and haircuts.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department recognizes sponsors of this event: Banner, Etna, El Rio Health, Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange, Imago Day Middle School, Caterpillar, Southern Arizona Child Advocacy Center, Tucson Power, and Bare Escentuals. Thank you for the news and express your gratitude. , Chick-Fil-A, Eegees, Cutting Class JTED Academy of Cosmetology.

Learn more about. Badges and Backpacks :: Pima County Sheriff Department (pimasheriff.org)