TEP helped students get ready to return to school by handing out thousands of backpacks, sponsoring medical screenings and collecting classroom supplies for teachers over the summer.

Our employees assisted students and teachers at more than six events from Sahuarita to eastside Tucson, spreading support for education across our community.

The largest event was Badges and Backpacks, a partnership with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department that provides thousands of students with back-to-school supplies and services. TEP has helped fund the event for four years.

Almost 2,000 backpacks were handed out, many by the 25 TEP volunteers that helped. Some employees stuffed backpacks ahead of time to prepare for the July 13 event.

El Rio Community Health Center also provided attendees with free dental and vision screenings and reviewed children’s immunization records, services sponsored by TEP.

“Every student should be prepared for school. One key to students’ success is having the right tools,” said Miranda Jackson, a Civil/Transmission Engineer who coordinated TEP volunteers for the event. “I enjoy volunteering in our community and I’m happy knowing so many kids are starting the year with supplies and a new backpack.”

TEP volunteers also helped the Pima County Sheriff’s Department collect supplies at “Fill Victor” School Supply Drives. Community members were challenged to stuff the department’s largest command vehicle, named Victor, with school supplies. The donations were designated for teachers who were nominated by their students during the Badges and Backpacks event. Other events included:

• Kids Care Fair in Sahuarita: The Green Valley Salvation Army organized this event to give out school supplies.
• Back to School Bashes by the City of Tucson: TEP employees distributed backpacks to the first 500 primary and secondary school students who attended events at the city’s William Clements Center and Oury Recreation Center.
• Kidz Expo and Back to School event: TEP was a sponsor of this popular event at El Pueblo Activity Center.
• IMPACT Tucson: Employees participated in a resource fair held at Catalina High School for Tucson Unified School District families.

Read more about how TEP supports education in our community.