Contributions Help Students and Teachers in Broward County Public Schools
Broward Education Foundation, the only 501(c)3 charitable organization solely dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, announced its annual school supply drive kicks off July 8 and runs through August 23.
Last school year, Broward Education Foundation provided essential school supplies valued at more than $2 million to 130,000 under-resourced students in Broward County Public Schools. The annual event fosters equity in education by providing teachers and students with the free resources they need to succeed.
“When families are struggling to pay rent and buy groceries, the burden of sending a child to school fully equipped is many times unattainable. For these students, school supplies are a luxury,” said Dustin Jacobs, board chair of Broward Education Foundation. “This is where Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center steps in, and with the community’s help, we provide students with the free supplies they need in order to succeed.”
According to the National Education Association, teachers will spend more than $820 on classroom supplies this year including books, snacks, pencils, paper and cleaning products. Teachers also benefit from the drive. Last year, Broward Education Foundation provided classroom supplies for 12,000 teachers in Broward County Public Schools.
“Having the right tools is essential for a child’s academic success. With these resources, children can thrive academically, and their social and emotional well-being is supported,” said James A. Knapp, President & CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “Proper tools help build self-confidence and self-esteem, both of which are crucial for effective learning.”
Every child deserves a fair chance at a quality education, and by supporting schools in providing backpacks to students in need, donors are helping to level the playing field and create a brighter future for these students.
How to help
· Place Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center donation boxes at your workplace: Then either drop off the collection at the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center or arrange with them to pick up donations.
- Adopt a School: There are many opportunities to sponsor a school and provide students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies.
- Host a virtual drive within your organization: Encourage monetary donations through browardedfoundation.org/drive
- $250 can provide art supplies for an entire classroom
- $100 can support a teacher with crucial classroom tools and resources
- $25 can provide a student with a backpack filled with essential school supplies
To boost success, Broward Education Foundation posted a free School Supply Drive Tool Kit on its website with ideas and tips, plus suggested social media messaging and sample email scripts to recruit support.
School supplies needed most include backpacks, compositions books (black), crayons, erasers (pink rectangular), folders (2 pocket), glue sticks, hand sanitizer (individual), highlighters, hole punchers (single), index cards (3”x5”), markers, notebook paper, pencil pouches, pencil sharpeners, pencils (#2 with erasers), pencils (mechanical), pens (black and blue ink), rulers, scissors (children’s) and spiral notebooks (wide-ruled).
Donations can be made at the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center, 2300 W. Copans Road, Bay #5 in Pompano Beach. To request donations be picked up, call 754-321-9020 or email hector.javier@browardschools.com.
Interested in hosting a supply drive? Contact mari-lee.baxter@browardschools.com.
About Broward Education Foundation
The nonprofit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $4 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence. For information visit Broward Education Foundation, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
