Arizona Builders Alliance Empowers Students with $34,990 in School Supplies
TEMPE, Arizona — The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA), a trade association for contractors in Arizona, successfully hosted its annual Backpack Drive distributions, delivering $34,990 in essential school supplies to 800 students across Arizona. The distributions followed the ABA’s 2025 Backpack Drive, during which the ABA's Community Service Board, construction industry professionals, volunteers, and community members collected monetary donations to purchase essential school supplies for Arizona youth.
At the backpack distribution events, hundreds of students in grades K-12 eagerly lined up to select a backpack of their choice. Each student then had the opportunity to choose from multiple piles of school supplies, picking out colorful items such as notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, folders, and more to fill their backpacks for the new school year.
“The ABA’s mission through our annual backpack drive is to provide underprivileged children with the school supplies they need to thrive,” said Kim Davids, president of the Arizona Builders Alliance. “Students who have the resources they need to succeed in school can develop higher self-esteem, experience enhanced learning, and stay engaged more easily, and by partnering with local organizations, the ABA can ensure that the school supplies reach children who need them most, maximizing the impact of our members' efforts."
ABA volunteers and local community members joined forces with local organizations at backpack drive distribution events that took place on August 4th at Children First Leadership Academy (CFLA) in Phoenix, July 11th at Arizona Baptist Children’s Services in Tucson, July 16 at Rise Family Services in Mesa, and July 18th at Santo Nino Catholic Community.
“I am proud to play a small part in shaping Arizona kids' futures,” said Nikki Rutledge, community service board member, Arizona Builders Alliance. “It amazes me how one act of service can make a pivotal impact. Seeing the smiles on these kids' faces never gets old, and this year's drive was no different.”
Children First Leadership Academy, RISE Services, and Arizona Baptist Children's Services have a strong presence in the community and a track record of supporting youth education and welfare. Children First Leadership Academy in Phoenix educates students from economically challenged families, with 100% of students living at or below the poverty line. RISE Services in Mesa specializes in foster care, supporting children who have faced abuse and neglect, and Arizona Baptist Children's Services in Tucson assists at-risk families, providing backpacks and supplies to children transitioning to new homes and schools, and Santo Nino Catholic Community serves disadvantaged families and children, along with the homeless population in local Phoenix neighborhoods.
The ABA remains committed to supporting its community through initiatives like the ABA Annual Backpack Drive, reflecting its dedication to fostering growth and opportunity for all. Arizona residents eager to support local communities can watch for the ABA’s upcoming Annual ABA Toy Drive. Each holiday season, the ABA collects monetary donations to distribute toys to children in need by mid-December. Visit the ABA website to learn about getting involved and making a difference at https://azbuilders.org.