Backpack drive spurs donation of school supplies

While school was out during the summer, the United Way of Broward County was working to secure supplies for the upcoming year. Through its annual Backpack Broward drive, local companies collected 30,000 items.

At the Urban League of Broward County, about 60 children were glad to be recipients.

“The children were grateful and extremely excited about the supplies they received including bookbags, crayons, markers, paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, glue, etc.,” said the League’s education division manager Lauren Butler.

“Not only has the donation of supplies helped our families financially, but they have also given the students an opportunity to learn in the classroom and the ability to step into the classroom prepared and with confidence,” Butler said.

Casandra Henriquez, United Way’s senior manager of volunteer and community engagement, said nine other deserving agencies were able to “help kickoff the year on a positive note for many children who may have otherwise had issues obtaining the necessary school supplies.”

Other destinations for the needed donations are Fire Wall Centers, Kids in Distress, Jack and Jill, Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, The Crockett Foundation, Children’s Harbor, Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and Children of Military Families.

From June 15 through Aug. 1 throughout Broward County, a variety of organizations were busy stocking away supplies.

Kaplan led the drive with 20,000 donated items, The Eppy Group, Harris Corporation, Holman Automotive, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, Kellstrom, Cherry Bekaert and AutoNation all contributed.

“We are very grateful for the outstanding support we received ... and are extremely proud of the amount of school supplies each group was able to collect,” Henriquez said.

United Way of Broward County, based in Fort Lauderdale, is a volunteer driven, community-based, nonprofit. Education, income and health are its impact areas. The organization has served Broward County for more than 75 years.

Visit UnitedWayBroward.org.