The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) Outreach Committee, chaired by Tom Emele, has successfully completed its 2026 Backpack and School Supply Drive in partnership with Backpacks 4 Kids AZ. The initiative, held from June 10 to June 24, collected backpacks and essential school supplies for children and families experiencing financial hardship. The donations were delivered to Backpacks 4 Kids AZ on June 30 and will be distributed to local students before the new school year begins.
Tom Emele emphasized the importance of the drive, 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." The drive featured multiple collection sites across the Valley hosted by AACM and participating member management companies, making it convenient for members to contribute. The support of these organizations was instrumental in the drive's success.
On June 26, AACM Outreach Committee members volunteered at the AACM office to sort and organize the donated supplies before delivery. The team organized the donations to maximize storage space at Backpacks 4 Kids AZ and streamline distribution for the nonprofit's volunteers. Michele Tallberg, Director of Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, expressed gratitude for the partnership: "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."
The AACM Outreach Committee, a volunteer group within the Arizona Association of Community Managers, organizes community outreach initiatives. AACM 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. Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, an Arizona-based nonprofit, provides school supplies, backpacks, and essential resources to children and families in need, operating a community food pantry and offering clothing, hygiene items, and other necessities through community partnerships.
This successful drive underscores the community association industry's commitment to strengthening local communities. By equipping students with the tools they need for academic success, AACM and its partners are helping to ensure that children start the school year with confidence and preparedness.
