In Palm Beach County, hundreds of students will soon have access to brand-new school supplies thanks to the annual Tools for Schools program. Red Apple Supplies, in partnership with Publix Super Markets and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, distributed over $201,000 worth of essential school supplies to teachers from 120 Title I district schools for the 20th year.
Teachers and principals eagerly arrived at the Red Apple supply store in Riviera Beach as early as 8 a.m. to collect the supplies from volunteers. The line of vehicles waiting extended around the building and down the street. Volunteers not only loaded cars with supplies but also provided hot chocolate and treats.
🍎🎉📚 Red Apple Supplies, @EducationFdnPBC free teacher resource store, is distributing over $200,000 worth of essential school supplies to teachers from 120 Title I District schools. This generous donation was made possible by @Publix Super Markets’ Tools for Schools program!💚 pic.twitter.com/zKhzWPQQw4
— The School District of Palm Beach County (@pbcsd) December 3, 2022
Education Foundation Chairman Jim Moore took on the role of a disc jockey at the event, accompanied by a barbershop quartet serenading the waiting drivers. Even Santa Claus made an appearance at the event.
Palm Beach County Superintendent Michael Burke emphasized the importance of the event, particularly for the one in five district students living in poverty. “This event greatly assists in ensuring that children have the supplies necessary to thrive in the classroom,” Burke stated.
Principal Dwayne Dennard of Pahokee middle and high schools echoed Burke’s sentiments, stressing the critical need for supplies. He pointed out that 99% of the students at his two schools participate in a free or reduced meal program, indicating a significant financial need.
WPTV
Dennard highlighted the profound impact of the supplies on enabling students to reach their full potential. He mentioned that some students were previously unable to thrive due to the lack of necessary supplies. He described this opportunity as invaluable for parents and students, especially given the current economic challenges.
The distributed supplies ranged from notebooks to headphones and more. Superintendent Burke confirmed that the supplies would be handed out to students in school the following week.
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