The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM), through its Outreach Committee chaired by Tom Emele, successfully completed its 2026 Backpack & School Supply Drive to support Arizona students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The drive, held from June 10 through June 24, collected backpacks and essential school supplies for Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, a local nonprofit that provides resources to children and families experiencing financial hardship.
“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,” said Emele. Collection sites were hosted by AACM and participating member management companies throughout the Valley, making it convenient for members to contribute. The support of these organizations helped make the drive accessible and contributed to its overall success.
Members of the AACM Outreach Committee volunteered on June 26 to sort and organize the donated supplies before delivery to Backpacks 4 Kids AZ on June 30. The committee organized donations to maximize storage space and streamline distribution for the nonprofit’s volunteers. The donations will be distributed to local students and families in time for the new school year.
“Every child deserves to walk into their classroom on the first day of school feeling prepared and confident. In Phoenix, thousands of students lack the basic supplies needed to succeed. Backpacks 4 Kids AZ helps roughly 3,000 students with backpacks and school supplies annually, and we support over 400 families with food each week. We are incredibly grateful for the support of organizations like AACM, which allow us to continue providing for these children,” said Michele Tallberg, Director for Backpacks 4 Kids AZ.
AACM extends its gratitude to every volunteer, donor, collection site, committee member, and participating company whose support made this year’s outreach effort possible. Their support reflects the community association industry’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. The drive not only provides essential supplies but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among AACM members and their partners.
For more information about AACM and its community initiatives, visit AACM Online. To learn more about Backpacks 4 Kids AZ and how to support their mission, visit Backpacks 4 Kids AZ.
