The Northwest Metro Association of REALTORS® (NWMAR) is proud to celebrate the success of its 2026 Battle of the Brokerages Backpack Drive, a community-wide effort that brought REALTORS®, Affiliate Partners, local businesses, schools and volunteers together to support students across Bartow County.
Thanks to the generosity of the NWMAR community, 101 backpacks were collected and filled with school supplies, helping local students begin the school year equipped with the tools they need to learn and succeed. The backpacks were distributed to more than 20 local schools throughout Bartow County, providing direct support to students and families as they prepare for the new academic year.
The Backpack Drive, held from April through July, encouraged friendly competition among local brokerages while rallying members around a shared mission of giving back to the community. Members contributed backpacks, school supplies, financial donations, volunteer time and collection sites, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines the Association.
NWMAR extends its sincere appreciation to the Community Cares Committee, whose leadership, planning and countless volunteer hours made this year’s drive possible. Their dedication transformed an idea into a meaningful initiative that will positively impact local students and families throughout the region.
The Association also recognizes the many Affiliate Partners, REALTOR® members, brokerages, volunteers and local businesses whose financial contributions, donations and volunteer service helped make the Backpack Drive a success. Their generosity ensured every collected backpack was fully stocked and ready for distribution.
Special thanks are extended to the principals, teachers, counselors, administrators and school leaders at the more than 20 participating schools who worked alongside NWMAR to identify student needs and coordinate backpack deliveries.
NWMAR would also like to recognize Samantha Lusk and her team for leading a successful Backpack Drive effort in Gordon County.
The Battle of the Brokerages Backpack Drive reflects NWMAR’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities its members serve. By working together, REALTORS®, Affiliate Partners and community volunteers helped ensure that more than 100 local students will begin the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, promoted the drive or supported this effort in any way. Together, we truly made a difference, one backpack at a time.
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