INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Several years ago, Ann Catchick was inspired to help students go back to school each year with all the necessary school supplies, despite economic hardship. As founder of the Indian River County Lawyer’s Auxiliary, she knew she could rally the support of local attorneys and the Indian River County Bar Association. An avid sailor, she also knew she could rely on fellow sailors who belong to CLOD, Cruisers Living on Dirt, to lend a hand.
Four years later, the Tools To Learn School Supply Project, (which initially provided school supplies to students at one Elementary School), has expanded to include five schools: Vero Beach Elementary, Thompson Magnet School, Highlands Elementary, Dodgertown Elementary, and Fellsmere Elementary. The schools were selected based on the percentage of children who attend that qualify for free and reduced lunch. Mrs. Catchick said she and her committee members thoroughly enjoy shopping for the school supplies and always look for the best bargains. This year, the Lawyer’s Auxiliary collected nearly $6,000 for school supplies, which they purchased and delivered to all five schools last week. “We are so grateful to the Indian River County Bar Association and to members of CLOD, who made this year’s fundraiser such a success,” said Mrs. Catchick. More than 1,100 composition books, 450 primary journals, 1,400 erasers, 22,000 pencils, and many other supplies were purchased for students to have on the first day of school. “We truly appreciate the support of the Lawyer’s Auxiliary, in putting this together again this year,” said Superintendent La Cava.”For many students and families, purchasing a backpack and supplies creates a hardship. Thanks to this organization, members of the Indian River County Bar Association, and CLODS, our students get the supplies they need. We can’t thank them enough. This makes a significant difference in the lives of many of our students,” he added.
