The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) successfully completed its 2026 Backpack & School Supply Drive, held from June 10 through June 24, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Backpacks 4 Kids AZ. The drive aimed to collect backpacks and essential school supplies for children and families experiencing financial hardship, ensuring students begin the school year equipped for success.
Tom Emele, Chair of the AACM Outreach Committee, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, 'Our children are the future. We all need to properly equip them on their education journey. This opportunity partnering with Backpacks 4 Kids AZ is a perfect way to support our children.' To facilitate donations, collection sites were hosted by AACM and participating member management companies across the Valley, making it convenient for members to contribute.
Following the drive, members of the AACM Outreach Committee volunteered on June 26 to sort and organize the donated supplies before delivering them to Backpacks 4 Kids AZ on June 30. The committee worked to maximize storage space and streamline distribution for the nonprofit's volunteers. Michele Tallberg, Director for Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the organization helps roughly 3,000 students with backpacks and supplies annually and supports over 400 families with food each week.
AACM extends its appreciation to all volunteers, donors, collection sites, committee members, and participating companies whose contributions made the drive a success. This effort reflects the community association industry's commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. More information about AACM's outreach initiatives can be found at https://www.aacmonline.org. For details on Backpacks 4 Kids AZ and how to support their mission, visit https://www.backpacks4kidsaz.org.
