Leaders Academy Donates 2,000 School Backpacks
The TACA Emerging Leaders Academy exceeded its original donation goal to support students across Texas.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe corporations have a responsibility to provide direct material support to local students?
Members of the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association Emerging Leaders Academy donated 2,000 backpacks filled with supplies to students in need. The initiative reached 200 percent of the group's original target of 1,000 backpacks.
Why it matters
The project serves as a key component of the academy's leadership training, which emphasizes the responsibility of industry professionals to support local communities. By contributing both labor and supplies, the program provides essential resources to families.
The Emerging Leaders Academy distributed 2,000 backpacks to students through three nonprofit organizations. This total doubled the original program goal of 1,000 units.
The players
Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association
This trade organization represents the construction materials industry in Texas and oversees the Emerging Leaders Academy.
Communities In Schools of San Antonio
This nonprofit organization works within schools to provide students with resources and support services to stay in the classroom.
Nic DeWood
He is a member of the Emerging Leaders Academy who participated in the backpack donation initiative.
Jayde Young
She is a member of the Emerging Leaders Academy who assisted in the assembly and distribution of school supplies.
Margil Elementary School
This local campus served as the site for the official recognition of the backpack donation project.
The details
Members assembled the supply-filled backpacks during the TACA 2026 Annual Meeting. Nic DeWood, Jayde Young, Roberto Carrillo, and Mark Mayle represented the academy at a recognition event hosted by Communities In Schools of San Antonio at Margil Elementary School.
Timeline
The Emerging Leaders Academy class operated throughout the 2025-2026 term.
Backpacks were assembled during the TACA 2026 Annual Meeting.
A recognition event took place at Margil Elementary School on Oct. 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the industry-wide corporate social responsibility standards that encourage trade associations to engage in philanthropic service. It demonstrates how professional organizations leverage their operational networks to amplify their charitable reach.
This effort provides thousands of students with necessary school supplies, reducing out-of-pocket costs for families in need. The partnership ensures that the resources are distributed through established nonprofits capable of identifying local students requiring support.
The takeaway
Large-scale donation drives often succeed by integrating service projects directly into existing professional meeting schedules. This approach maximizes volunteer participation and ensures that resources are gathered efficiently during high-attendance industry events.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
More information
For more information on the association, visit the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association homepage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gilmer Mirror.
Live Poll
Do you believe corporations have a responsibility to provide direct material support to local students?
