FELLSMERE — Jose Morales has seven children, six of whom are still in elementary, middle, or high school. “I love my kids, they are my world. The oldest one in school is 16, while my youngest is 6 years old,” he says, adding that he also has a 20-year-old daughter.
“I always tell them to stay in school, get good grades and go on and have good careers,” says Morales, a construction equipment operator who grew up in Juanajuato, Mexico, and settled in Fellsmere eight years ago.
While education is important in the Morales household, providing school supplies for six children can get really expensive.
That’s why he is glad that Operation Hope has stepped in to help him and other parents fill the gap.
The non-profit organization, headquartered on County Road 512 in Fellsmere, will host its 12th annual “Back-to-School” event at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Families with school-aged children in need of classroom supplies are encouraged to attend.
“Every child will receive a backpack filled with school supplies,” says Jesse Zermeno, organization president. “My wife, Jan, contacted our area schools and developed a list of supplies needed for each grade level from K-12. We then sought donations from area businesses and civic organizations.”
“Therefore, each backpack includes basic supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and pencils, as well as some extra goodies according to the grade,” he says.
“We’re doing this to equip children with the materials they will need to succeed in school. Also, it helps parents whose finances are already stretched thin by this economy,” Zermeno adds.
Last year, Operation Hope supplied more than 1,000 children with backpacks filled with school supplies.
Zermeno anticipates helping around the same number of children, but also expects to have more than 2,000 people on the property during the two-hour event.
“One major difference in this year’s event is that we are adding entertainment for the children as they wait for the supplies,” he says.
Indian River County fire and sheriff personnel and trucks will be on hand to give demonstrations.
Nearly a dozen magicians from Brevard County also will be there performing magic tricks, while local artists will provide free face painting.
In addition, there also will be clowns on hand to entertain the crowds, a kiddie train, and bounce houses.
“Boy Scout troops from Sebastian are going to bring their own test and games to play with the kids,” Zermeno says, adding that a deejay going by the name of “El Gato” will also be on hand to provide music.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the back-to-school spirit,” Zermeno says.
The event’s main sponsors include several businesses located in Palm Bay, primarily IMS, Inc.; CenterPointe Church of Palm Bay; Alpizar Law, LLC; and WalMart of Palm Bay.
Those interested in making last-minute donations can drop off school supplies until Friday at LoPresti Aviation, 210 Airport Drive East in Sebastian; Operation Hope in Fellsmere; or First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd. in Vero Beach.
“I want to see happy faces on Saturday. I want them to have all the supplies they need in order to be ready to learn when they go to school,” Zermeno says.
He admits that the economy has made it harder on both parents and donors, but hopes Operation Hope’s efforts help chip away the financial burdens associated with sending children to school.
“I wish I could do more in other areas, such as provide shoes to the children, which we got to do one year with another organization’s donations. However, we do the best we can with a lot of love,” he says.
Morales says that without Operation Hope’s help, he would have to shell out close to $400 or $500 to purchase school supplies.
“That doesn’t even include school clothes. It would be hard just to pay for the supplies,” he says.
Miguel Guzman plans to attend Saturday to ensure his four school-age children have everything they need.
“One of my kids wants to be a teacher, while another wants to be an animal doctor. I know they can do it and want what’s best for them so they can get there,” he says. “Jesse and Operation Hope help make those dreams come true.”
