AACM Outreach Committee Completes 2026 Backpack Drive, Supporting Arizona Students

The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) has 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 initiative, led by AACM's Outreach Committee chaired by Tom Emele, aimed to equip Arizona students with essential supplies for the upcoming school year.

"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 Tom Emele, Chair of the AACM Outreach Committee. The drive collected backpacks and school supplies at multiple locations throughout the Valley, hosted by AACM and participating member management companies, making donation convenient for members.

The collected items were sorted and organized by AACM Outreach Committee volunteers on June 26 at the AACM office before being delivered to Backpacks 4 Kids AZ on June 30. The nonprofit will distribute the supplies 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.

This outreach effort underscores the community association industry's ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. AACM extends its gratitude to every volunteer, donor, collection site, committee member, and participating company whose support made this year's drive possible.

The Arizona Association of Community Managers is a nonprofit professional organization representing community association managers and industry business partners across Arizona, dedicated to advancing professionalism through education, advocacy, ethical standards, and networking. Community outreach initiatives like the Backpack & School Supply Drive are organized through AACM's Outreach Committee, a volunteer group that plans charitable efforts giving back to Arizona communities.

Backpacks 4 Kids AZ is an Arizona-based nonprofit that supports children and families in need by providing school supplies, backpacks, and essential resources, in addition to operating a community food pantry and offering clothing, hygiene items, and other necessities. Through partnerships with organizations like AACM, Backpacks 4 Kids AZ helps ensure local families have access to the resources they need to thrive.

For more information about AACM and its outreach efforts, visit www.aacmonline.org. To learn more about Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, visit www.backpacks4kidsaz.org.