Albuquerque families struggling to afford back-to-school supplies will get help this weekend thanks to a collaborative effort between ABQ RIDE and the UNM Foundation.
The organizations are hosting “Back to School: Stuff the Bus!” on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hinkle Fun Center and Flix Brewhouse parking lot, located at 12931 Indian School Road NW. The goal is to fill a 40-foot city bus with school supplies for Albuquerque Public Schools students.
Community members who donate supplies will receive incentives, including two Hinkle mini-golf passes and one Flix Brewhouse movie pass per vehicle.
The drive comes as APS faces significant challenges with student poverty. According to data from the APS Community Clothing Bank, more than two-thirds of APS students come from low-income households, and two out of three are considered at risk.
“Basic school supplies are out of reach for many and can make the difference between graduating or dropping out,” organizers noted, explaining that donations help families who may face difficult trade-offs between spending on school supplies versus essential bills.
“The City is all-in for getting needed school supplies into the backpacks of students,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a press release. “This event, along with our annual APS School Supply Drive, demonstrates the collective effort of City departments to set students up for a successful school year.”
Transit Director Leslie Keener urged community participation, saying, “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.”
Jeff Todd, President and CEO of the UNM Foundation, framed the initiative as an investment in students’ futures. “At the UNM Foundation, we believe that investing in students starts long before they set foot on a college campus. It begins with access,” he said. “Every child deserves the chance to walk into a classroom feeling prepared, supported, and full of possibility.”
The event is designed for quick drop-offs, allowing donors to “roll in with donations and roll out quickly to enjoy their Saturday,” according to organizers. All collected supplies will be distributed to APS students using an equity model to serve those with the highest need.
Community partners supporting the event include Hinkle Fun Center, Flix Brewhouse, KUNM Radio, the City of Albuquerque Office of Civic Engagement and the APS Community Clothing Bank.
The bus will be located at the west end of the parking lot, near the Hinkle Fun Center and Flix Brewhouse.Visit ABQRIDE.com for event information and the full APS School Supply Wish List containing the most-needed supplies for the 2025-2026 academic year.