INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — School is out for summer, but there is no stopping the need to raise funds to provide 2,000 backpacks for children to start the 2014-2015 school year. The Education Foundation of Indian River County invites the public to support the “County-Wide School Supply Drive” to provide economically disadvantaged children in grades K-12th with necessary school supplies.
The Foundation is joined in this community effort by the School District of Indian River County, Publix Super Market Charities, and proceeds from the License for Learning tag revenue.
Donations may be made online: www.edfoundationirc.org or by mail: P.O. Box 7046, Vero Beach, Florida 32961.
Funds raised will be used to purchase complete backpack supply kits for students in primary and secondary grades from Kits for Kidz, a division of Staples.
All funds received will be strictly reserved for the purpose of purchasing backpacks for needy students. A donation of $20 will help to serve one student in need.
Now, more than ever, a contribution will make a difference. More than 62 percent of school age students in Indian River County are economically disadvantaged. This means students come from homes earning less than $26,000 annually. With increased costs of fuel, food, and housing, little excess income is available to cover the basic necessities like school supplies.
The Education Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the School District of Indian River County. The Foundation is proud to partner with the community to raise dollars to help students in need. The Education Foundation operates separately from the school district.
Backpacks will be filled with grade level appropriate supplies. All supply kits will be distributed through the School District of Indian River County. Each school’s administrative staff will identify and distribute the school supplies during school orientations and the first days of school. The program also gives schools a supply of kits to assist students throughout the school year.
The Education Foundation of Indian River County’s mission is to enrich and enhance educational opportunities for all students and teachers, in both public and private schools, through effective fundraising and efficient allocation of resources. The Foundation funds and administers the Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair Program, the Sneaker Exchange, the Great Ideas! Grants Program, Vision for Reading, the School Supply Fund, and Teacher Development Initiatives.
To learn more about the Community-Wide School Supply Drive, call Cynthia or Mary at the Education Foundation office: (772) 564-0034, or email: [email protected], or visit: www.edfoundationirc.org
