News Summary
The Pinellas Education Foundation and Hillsborough Education Foundation are hosting a school supplies drive to aid economically disadvantaged students ahead of the new school year. On Friday, community members can drop off essential supplies at designated locations. The initiative addresses the significant need among over 200,000 students in the region, alongside ongoing efforts to support local educators. The drive aims to ensure all students have the necessary resources for a successful academic experience.
Tampa Bay, FL—The Pinellas Education Foundation and Hillsborough Education Foundation are joining forces to host a school supplies drive aimed at assisting economically disadvantaged students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The drive is set to take place on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the offices of each foundation.
The Pinellas Education Foundation office is located at 12090 Starkey Road in Largo, while the Hillsborough Education Foundation can be found at 2306 North Howard Avenue in Tampa. These locations will serve as drop-off points for school supply contributions, which are essential for students in need.
Hillsborough and Pinellas counties collectively have over 200,000 economically disadvantaged students enrolled in public schools. The drive is a direct response to this pressing need, offering the community a chance to support local students through various contribution methods. Individuals can purchase items from the foundations’ Amazon wish lists, make monetary donations, or donate supplies in person at the designated locations on the day of the drive.
Furthermore, teachers in Hillsborough County Public Schools and Title I charter schools are given the opportunity to shop for free at the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Teaching Tools Resource Center four times a year. This initiative significantly alleviates the financial burden on educators, many of whom spend between $800 to $1,000 out of pocket each year on classroom supplies. In the previous year, the Hillsborough Education Foundation provided approximately $3.5 million worth of supplies to support teachers.
Among the essential supplies being collected are pencils, paper, backpacks, and binders—items that are crucial for students to start the school year off on the right foot. Teachers are encouraged to schedule appointments to visit the resource center effectively, ensuring they can obtain the supplies they need.
In Hillsborough County alone, around 154,000 students are impacted by the significant need for classroom supplies. The drive is a critical effort to address this shortage and prepare students for academic success. New teachers like Mackenzie Nester express enthusiasm about stocking their classrooms with necessary supplies, highlighting the importance of community support in making a difference.
In addition to the school supplies drive, there are ongoing community events aimed at further supporting students. One such event is the Back-to-School Bash, which will take place at Raymond James Stadium, hosted by WWE legend Titus O’Neil in collaboration with the Bullard Family Foundation. This event will distribute free backpacks and school supplies, enhancing the resources available to students and families in need as they gear up for a brand-new school year.
This collaborative effort by the Pinellas and Hillsborough Education Foundations highlights the community’s commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the essential resources necessary for a successful educational experience. With various ways to contribute, the hope is that residents will come together to make a positive impact and provide much-needed support to their local students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tampa Bay Educators Receive Essential Supplies for School Year
Tampa Schools Prepare for New Year with Supply Relief for Teachers
Additional Resources
- WTSP: School Supplies Donation in Pinellas & Hillsborough
- ABC Action News: Teachers Stock Up on Supplies
- 83 Degrees Media: Hillsborough Education Foundation Supply Drive
- ABC Action News: Back-to-School Bash at Raymond James Stadium
- Google Search: School Supplies Donation Florida
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
