Albuquerque partners for major school supplies drive

The One Albuquerque Fund and Corporate Volunteer Council of New Mexico are raising money through Aug. 5 to buy school supplies for Albuquerque Public Schools students and teachers.

The need during the pandemic is greater than ever, organizers said in a news release.

They noted that more than 60% of APS students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, and many families struggle to provide supplies for their students.

Teachers on average spend over $500 of their own money every year to support students, according to a national survey.

The volunteer council, which is asking residents and businesses to support students, is hosting a virtual, on-site school supply drive and other efforts in late July and early August.

“As a mother, I know this year is going to look a lot different for our kids, and some families are going to struggle getting the supplies on top of the already uncertain school year,” said Pilar Westell, One Albuquerque Fund board member, in a statement. “It takes a village to raise a child, so it is important that we all do what we can for the children in our Albuquerque community.”

Donations can be made online at one-albuquerque-fund.snwbll.com/aps-school-supply-drive.

The drive this year is taking only monetary donations rather than collecting school supplies in a bid to keep all staff and students safe, organizers said.

“We have to do everything we can to give our youth the tools they need to be successful as we all adapt,” said City of Albuquerque CVCNM representative David Chené.

Money raised will be used to buy everything, including pencils and pens, colored pencils and markers, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, protractors and other essential learning utensils.