City hosts annual school supply drive in downtown Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Many families are focused on getting everything ready for the new school year, and that can be stressful.

On Sunday, the City of Albuquerque held an event to help.

“Today, we have our sixth annual ‘Cruzin’ into the School Year’ event,” said Richard Gonzales a center manager for the City of Albuquerque.         

Children had access to tons of different school supplies and vision checks, all for free.   

“It can get a little expensive with all of the school supplies, especially with three kids,” said Roman Alvarado. “I think it’s good for the community to be able to have this access for the kids because, a lot of times these kids, they spend more of their day there than they do at home. And it’s nice to have a community that cares for the kids and is able to provide for them a little bit when some of the people can’t.”

With a shortened summer and the school year starting earlier than usual, organizers say an event like this is extremely important.

“With that short summer, parents are having to get their school supplies and backpacks earlier. So, you know, with this they can just come get everything they need for their kids, and they’re ready to go,” said Gonzales.

While many families came to take advantage of this event, some say they want more of this from the city.

“I would like to see more of these events,” said Ariel Montoya, an Albuquerque parent.