Broward Education Foundation launches annual Back-to-School Supply Drive to provide essential supplies for thousands of students and teachers
Broward County, Florida – As families across Broward County prepare for the upcoming school year, the Broward Education Foundation is calling on the community to help make sure students and teachers have the supplies they need to succeed.
The nonprofit organization has launched its annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, a campaign designed to collect essential classroom materials for students in Broward County Public Schools while also helping teachers who often spend their own money to prepare their classrooms.
Donations will be accepted through Aug. 31, giving residents, businesses, and community organizations time to contribute before the start of the new academic year.
The foundation said the effort plays an important role in reducing financial pressure on families and educators. Last year’s supply drive provided assistance to more than 130,000 students at 195 schools and delivered classroom supplies to more than 12,000 teachers throughout the district.
The need for support remains significant. According to the National Education Association, more than 90% of teachers spend an average of $800 of their own money each year purchasing classroom supplies for their students.
“Every child deserves a fair chance at a quality education,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “By providing students with the tools they need, we’re helping build their confidence and setting them up for success in the classroom while giving teachers the resources they need to create engaging learning environments.”
The foundation is encouraging community members to take part in several different ways. Businesses and organizations can organize workplace supply drives, while individuals can help by adopting a school and providing backpacks filled with needed materials.
Residents can also purchase supplies through the organization’s Amazon wishlist, make online monetary donations, or use a free school supply drive toolkit to organize collections in their neighborhoods or communities.
Officials said financial donations can make a major difference. The foundation estimates that a $25 donation can provide a fully stocked backpack for one student. A $100 contribution can provide classroom resources for a teacher, while a $250 donation can supply an entire classroom with art materials.
The Back-to-School Supply Drive is seeking a wide range of school essentials, including backpacks, composition books, crayons, glue sticks, folders, notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pencils, pens, markers, rulers, child-safe scissors, hand sanitizer, and other classroom items.
Community members who would like to donate physical supplies can drop them off at the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center, located at 2300 W. Copans Road, Bay 5, in Pompano Beach.
The foundation is also offering support for groups that want to organize larger donation efforts. Those interested in hosting a supply drive or arranging a donation pickup can contact Hector Javier at 754-321-9020 or [email protected].
Organizers said the annual campaign is about more than collecting school materials. The effort is intended to help students begin the school year prepared and confident while giving teachers additional resources to create positive learning environments.
With support from local residents, businesses, and community partners, the Broward Education Foundation hopes to continue expanding the impact of the Back-to-School Supply Drive and ensure that more students and educators have access to the tools needed for a successful school year.
