The City of Albuquerque is organizing a school supply drive to support students as the new academic year approaches. ABQ RIDE, in partnership with the UNM Foundation, will host the “Back to School: Stuff the Bus!” event on Saturday, August 16. The initiative aims to collect essential items such as pens, calculators, and rulers for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) students. The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hinkle Fun Center and Flix Brewhouse parking lot near Tramway and Indian School.
Community members are encouraged to donate supplies by driving through the event location. Each vehicle that donates will receive two mini-golf passes from Hinkle Fun Center and one movie pass from Flix Brewhouse, provided by sponsors. All contributions will be distributed based on an equity model designed to reach students with the highest need.
“The City is all-in for getting needed school supplies into the backpacks of students,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This event, along with our annual APS School Supply Drive, demonstrate the collective effort of City departments to set students up for a successful school year.”
According to data from the APS Community Clothing Bank, over two-thirds of APS students come from low-income households and two out of three are considered at risk. These donations aim to help families who might otherwise have to choose between buying school supplies or paying for other essentials.
“We are grateful to the ABQ RIDE team for driving this effort forward,” said APS Manager of Special Projects Vaisu Desai Bronk. “It’s a powerful example of how public service extends beyond the job and of people coming together to show students they matter.”
ABQ RIDE and UNM Foundation share a goal of supporting local youth in their education.
“Help us drive this fundraiser home!” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “ABQ RIDE is highly connected to our community and in turn wants to connect our future leaders with the supplies they need for their education. Let’s stuff the bus from seats to ceiling, because our students deserve the best!”
“At the UNM Foundation, we believe that investing in students starts long before they set foot on a college campus. It begins with access. Every child deserves the chance to walk into a classroom feeling prepared, supported, and full of possibility. That starts with something as simple as having the right school supplies. This effort is our way of saying: We see you. We believe in you. We’ve got your back,” said President and CEO of the UNM Foundation Jeff Todd. “ We’re proud to stand with ABQ RIDE and all those helping to stuff the bus and fuel a brighter future for every student in Albuquerque.”
The event also involves several community partners including Hinkle Fun Center, Flix Brewhouse, KUNM Radio, City of Albuquerque Office of Civic Engagement, and APS Community Clothing Bank.
For more information about this initiative or for details on which items are most needed for donation during this year’s drive, visit ABQRIDE.com.
