🌱 Albuquerque Hosts School Supply Drive + APS Looking To Hire Staff

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 99 Low: 74.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and hot. High: 99 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. With the new school year approaching, the City of Albuquerque is launching a school supply drive to assist families in need. Mayor Tim Keller is urging the community to contribute supplies as it can be expensive and difficult to shop last minute when items run out. Walmart has provided a $10,000 grant to subsidize and provide supplies for families, and 19 community centers will serve as drop-off locations for donations during the drive, which runs from Jul. 10 to Aug. 11. To find community supplies with donation boxes, click here, and check here for supplies still needed. (KOB 4)
2. New Mexico Kids Matter is seeking volunteers to support and advocate for the approximately 2,000 children in foster care in the state. By becoming a Court Approved Special Advocate (CASA) through the organization, volunteers can speak up for abused or neglected children to ensure they have a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more about the requirements and responsibilities of being a volunteer with New Mexico Kids Matter, click here. (KOB 4)
3. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is facing a need for over 800 educators and staff positions as the new school year approaches. APS Communications Executive Director Monica Armenta stated that while the number is expected, the district is particularly in need of special education teachers, educational assistants, custodians, and bus drivers. The district is actively working to address these shortages and will have administrators filling in where necessary until permanent hires can be made, assuring parents that students' needs will be met. (KRQE News 13)

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Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Wednesday, July 12

• Community Career Fair At Goodwill (1:00 PM)
• Summer Reading Concert: Chris Dracup At Central & Unser Public Library (5:00 PM)
• Albuquerque Concert Band Free Summer Concert! At Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum (7:00 PM)

Thursday, July 13

• Music And Movement Storytime At Ernie Pyle Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Outdoor Music Series - Lavender Event At Los Poblanos Inn (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you are one of the first 3,000 fans (21 and older) to enter the Isotopes game this Friday, Jul. 14, you will receive a Beer Stein courtesy of Miller Lite. Grab your tickets here. (Albuquerque Isotopes via Instagram)
• If you're a music lover, stop by the Balloon Museum tonight, Jul. 12, at 7:00 p.m. for a free concert featuring the Albuquerque Concert Band! Break out your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy a nice night on the east lawn; you can pack your own picnic or grab a bite from one of the local food trucks at the event. (City of Albuquerque via Instagram)
• Going on now through Jul. 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can stop by one of the five locations where Albuquerque Public Schools is offering a free hot lunch. These free meals are offered to those 18 and younger and must be eaten on-site; you can learn more information and find locations here. (Albuquerque Public Schools via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Prime Day Is Happening Now — Shop & Save! (July 12)

That's it for today!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.