Backpacks Needed for APS School Year

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.

McKinney-Vento Backpack Needs:
  • 500 high-quality backpacks for a student's belongings  
  • 100 clear backpacks (high quality, like Jansport) 
  • Any other type of backpack

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 an 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 who 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
  • Centric Title &Escrow
    100 Sun Ave NE #440,  87109
  • Coldwell Banker Legacy
    6719 Academy Rd NE, 87109
  • ERA  Summit
    6001 Indian School Rd NE, Suite 150, 87110
  • Fidelity National Title
    8500 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite B150, 87112
  • Keller Williams Realty
    6703 Academy Rd NE,  87109
  • Old Republic Title
    6707 Academy Rd NE, Suite C, 87109
  • Realty ONE Group Concierge
    100 Sun Ave NE, Suite 150, 87109
  • Waterstone Mortgage
    6733 Academy Rd NE, Suite A, 87109
  • Weichert Image 
    6705 Academy Rd NE, Suite A, 87109
3. Set up a Donation Box in your Office 
Download a sign to post and share in your office.

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

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 > Upcoming Events & Courses (see below)

 

A Path to Stability:  Education for Every Child