Backpack Drive 2026: Help Local Students Start the School Year Ready

A new school year is right around the corner, and our annual Backpack Drive is underway. With your help, we can provide backpacks to students experiencing housing instability and help them start the school year with confidence.

The Albuquerque Public Schools McKinney-Vento Homeless Program supports students whose families are experiencing homelessness. These students often face challenges beyond the classroom, and something as simple as a new backpack can help them stay organized, engaged, and prepared for school.

APS estimates that more than 3,200 students in local schools currently do not have a permanent place to live.

Children in the program may:

• Live in transitional or emergency shelters
• Stay in motels, cars, campgrounds, or other temporary accommodations
• Share housing with other families due to economic hardship
• Be unaccompanied youth living apart from a parent or guardian

Ways You Can Help

1. Make a Donation at the G.R.E.A.T. Event on Friday, July 31st

• Members that drop off backpacks or make a donation during G.R.E.A.T. will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card.

2. Backpack Drop-off Locations

• GAAR Office
  1635 University Blvd NE, 87102

3. Set up a Donation Box in your Office 

Scroll down to download a sign

Every $10 buys 2 backpacks. Deliver your collection or donate by Friday, July 31st.
No cash or school supplies, please.

4. Make a Monetary Donation

• Drop off checks (payable to GAAR with Title 1 Backpack Drive in the Memo). No cash please!
• Mail donations to GAAR, 1635 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM  87102 (payable to GAAR with Title 1 Backpack Drive in the Memo)
• Donate online: Login to GAAR Member Portal > Announcements (see below)

5. Download a Sign for Your Office

8.5 x 11 Sign  (Letter)                                     11 x 17 Sign (Tabloid)

A Path to Stability:  Education for Every Child