AAMA members sponsor 340 SchoolTools backpacks for at-risk children

Date: 5 March 2013

Twelve members of the American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) sponsored 340 World Vision SchoolTools backpacks, at a total cost of $7,480, to benefit at-risk children in Navajo Nation.

Backpacks were assembled with school supplies by members’ spouses as a part of AAMA’s 76th Annual Conference in Tucson, Ariz.

“This is the second year AAMA’s Spouse Program teamed up with World Vision for this philanthropic event,” says Rich Walker, AAMA's president and CEO. “We are especially grateful for the hard work of our members’ spouses and are proud of those who sponsored 340 backpacks, which is nearly 100 more than last year.”

“It was a truly great experience working with AAMA in hosting the SchoolTools event again this year,” added Mary Garcia, World Vision's corporate relations director. “Now, hundreds of children in Navajo Nation have the necessary school supplies that better equip them to learn.”

Many homes in Navajo Nation lack the modern conveniences of electricity, running water or telephones. Additionally, there are no urban centers and most roads are unpaved.

The following AAMA members contributed to the SchoolTools event. The number of backpacks sponsored by each is noted in parentheses.

* Quanex Building Products (100)

* Sapa Extrusions (100)

* Terry and Jennifer Abels (20)

* Pella Corporation (20)

* Winco Manufacturing Company (20)

* YKK AP America (20)

* GED Integrated Solutions (15)

* Bulk Chemicals (10)

* Chris and Trish Habegger (10)

* Keymark Corporation (10)

* Scott and Deborah Warner (10)