AAMA assembles 50 backpacks for Chicago children to commemorate certification anniversary

To view video from AAMA’s day of service, visit the association’s YouTube page.

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently participated in a day of service at World Vision in Chicago to commemorate the 50th anniversary of AAMA’s Gold Label Certification Program.

“We were honored to share the occasion of this milestone with an organization that is also in the business of building — building a better world for children,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO.

Staff members of the association assembled 50 SchoolTools backpacks for at-risk Chicago children, organized classroom supplies for World Vision’s Teacher Resource Center, as well as prepared 488 food kits, each comprised of enough food for a family of five for an entire day.

“AAMA’s work touched almost every area of our outreach, from backpacks and school supplies to clothing and food kits,” says Mary Garcia, World Vision’s corporate relations director. “AAMA’s volunteer hours will make a difference in the lives of many.”

According to Garcia, “World Vision strives to get the supplies into the hands of people working to improve their situations, not those with an entitlement mindset. Every person receiving goods receives a hand up, not a handout, which gives them a sense of pride, accomplishment and hope.”

AAMA has worked with World Vision since 2007, including organizing backpack builds at AAMA’s 75th and 76th Annual Conferences, which culminated in 590 SchoolTools backpacks for children in Florida and Arizona.

“AAMA is extremely grateful to have participated in a day of service with a one-of-a-kind organization,” says Walker. “Like AAMA, World Vision is truly dedicated to those it serves, and we look forward to continuing to work with the organization in the future.”

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Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Homes + Neighborhoods