Stuff the Bus Is Back!

ALBUQUERQUE – ABQ RIDE is putting the “drive” in a school supply drive where residents will help fill a city bus with donated items to steer Albuquerque Public School (APS) students toward a successful academic year. 

ABQ RIDE is partnering with the UNM Foundation to support APS students in the second annual Back to School: Stuff the Bus! event. People may donate supplies like pens, calculators, rulers, and more to fill a bus on Saturday, August 29, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Hinkle Fun Center and Flix Brewhouse parking lot near Tramway and Indian School. 

“We’re helping local students with what we know best – buses,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “I was amazed by the incredible participation last year stuffing a Sun Van with school supplies. This year, let’s fill an entire 40-foot bus!”

Roll in with donated supplies and roll out with complimentary gifts from Flix Brewhouse and Hinkle Fun Center. Thanks to these generous sponsors, every car will receive two mini golf passes and one movie pass. 

“There's something special about the excitement of heading back to school with a backpack full of fresh, colorful supplies and the confidence that comes from being prepared to learn. Every student deserves that feeling,” said First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller. “I've seen our city buses filled with passengers, but I can't wait to see one stuffed with pencils and notebooks thanks to the community’s generosity.”

Basic school supplies are out of reach for many and can make the difference between graduating or dropping out. Per data from the APS Community Clothing Bank and School Supply Barn, more than two-thirds of APS students come from low-income households, and two out of three are considered at risk. Donations help remove barriers for families and allow students to attend school with confidence and focus on learning. Supplies are distributed based on an equity model to serve those with the highest need.

“Across our district, we know that 10,000 students need our support with supplies,” said Cristal Wilson, Director of McKinney-Vento and Foster Care. “In addition to the basics, this year we need locks for students to access their lockers and are also asking the community to rally around our students, especially those in situations that require them to live out of their backpacks, by donating heavy duty backpacks as well as clear backpacks.”

At the 2025 inaugural event, Chase Bank donated backpacks filled with basic gear as part of its initiative to promote financial literacy for students and families. 

“Last year we gave 50 backpacks, and this year we’re proud to double that number,” said Chase Bank Community Manager Ismael Gallardo. “I used to ride Route 790 to UNM, so I knew partnering with city transit would be a meaningful way for us to give back to the community.”

ABQ RIDE and the UNM Foundation are united in connecting resources to community, whether it’s through free public transportation, scholarships, or school supplies to drive success and opportunity.

ABQ RIDE thanks all its community partners for investing in local students: UNM Foundation, Hinkle Fun Center, Flix Brewhouse, City of Albuquerque Office of Civic Engagement, and APS Community Clothing Bank and School Supply Barn, and KUNM Radio. 

Visit ABQRIDE.com for event information and the full APS School Supply Wish List containing the most-needed items for the 2026-2027 academic year.

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ABQ RIDE’s mission is to provide the community with safe, clean, and reliable transportation.