By Kevin Deutsch
The Broward Education Foundation this week launched its annual school supply drive to help equip students with essential supplies for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.
As the only charitable organization dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, the foundation helps local businesses, organizations, and residents collect supplies for needy students.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 200,000 BCPS students were living in poverty, according to the foundation.
A recent survey showed three out of four students arrive at class without the supplies necessary for learning, foundation officials said. And the pandemic drastically increased the need for basic supplies in Broward public schools.
“Last year, more than 41,000 students in 69 schools in our community benefited from Broward Education Foundation’s School Supply Drive,” said Jean McIntyre, board chair of Broward Education Foundation. “We remain incredibly focused on meeting the shifting needs in education within our local communities and are grateful for the many community partners who either donate supplies, funding, or sponsor a classroom.”
Local businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to collect school supplies and drop them off at Broward Education Foundation’s School Supply Center in Pompano Beach, 2300 W. Copans Road, Suite 5.
Arrangements can also be made for donations to be picked up by the foundation by calling 754-321-9020 or emailing mari-lee.baxter@browardschools.com
The most needed items are composition books, pink rectangular erasers, lined, three-hole notebook paper, packs of washable markers, pencil sharpeners, 24-packs of crayons, glue sticks, pencil cap erasers, compasses, and mechanical pencils.
Participants can also host a virtual drive and encourage people to make monetary donations.
According to the foundation, a $10 donation can supply 200 pencils, $35 can provide a student with a backpack filled with essential school supplies, $100 can support a teacher with crucial classroom tools and resources, and $250 can provide art supplies for an entire classroom.
“With nearly 76 percent of children in Broward County Public Schools living in poverty, the demand for basic school supplies remains high,” said Shea Ciriago, CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “It’s vital we do everything in our power to provide students with the tools they need to stay engaged and focused.”
Participants can also sponsor an individual student, class, or entire school by visiting BEFdrive.com.
Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools each year, according to the organization.
In 2018, the foundation established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5 million for victims’ families, survivors, and others impacted by the mass shooting.
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