The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) has successfully completed its 2026 Backpack & School Supply Drive, collecting backpacks and essential school supplies for local students in need. The drive, held from June 10 to June 24, 2026, was organized by the AACM Outreach Committee, chaired by Tom Emele, in partnership with Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, a nonprofit that supports children and families experiencing financial hardship across Arizona.
"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.
To make donating convenient for AACM members throughout the Valley, collection sites were hosted at participating member management companies. The donations 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 donations will be distributed to local students and families in time for the start of 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.
The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) is a nonprofit professional organization representing community association managers and industry business partners across Arizona. Community outreach initiatives, including the Backpack & School Supply Drive, are organized through AACM's Outreach Committee, a volunteer group made up of AACM members who dedicate their time to planning and supporting charitable efforts that give back to Arizona communities.
Backpacks 4 Kids AZ is an Arizona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families in need by providing school supplies, backpacks, and essential resources. In addition to its annual backpack program, the organization also operates a community food pantry and provides ongoing support through donations of clothing, hygiene items, and other basic necessities.
