Community Invited to Support the County-wide School Supply Drive

The Education Foundation of Indian River County invites the public to support the County-wide School Supply Drive to benefit more than 2,000 primary and secondary students. The Foundation is joined in this community effort by the School District of Indian River County, RBC Bank, Community Church, Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society and the Business and Education Division of the Chamber of Commerce.

Cash donations are being accepted at all Indian River County RBC Bank locations: Downtown Vero Beach, Beachland Boulevard, Roseland, Sebastian and Plantation-West Vero. To make a donation, simply visit one of the RBC locations and ask to make a donation to the Education Foundation's savings account: #7689051255. The Chamber is also accepting check donations made out to the Education Foundation of Indian River County at thier office and at their events. All funds received will be restricted for the purpose of purchasing backpacks for needy students. A donation of $15.00 will help to serve one student in need.

The Education Foundation will also be accepting checks by mail: P.O. Box 7046, Vero Beach, Florida 32961. Funds raised will be used to purchase complete backpack supply kits for students in grades Pre-K through 12 th grades from School Kidz, a division of Staples.

Now more than ever a cash contribution will make a difference. With a slumping economy, the need to help students from poverty level homes increases. Nearly 50% 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. "To date more than $16,000 has been pledged by the participating organizations and private individuals. An additional $14,000 is needed to fully fund the project. The Education Foundation operates separately from the school district. This unique structure allows funding to go directly to where it is needed to fill in the gaps that often occur, "explained Education Foundation President Dan Bockhorst.

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.

Executive Director of Curriculum, Sue Curtis, explains, "This drive helps fill in the gaps for students and families who are truly in need. We are very grateful for the support of the community to help our students start off the school year with necessary supplies."

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 School Supply Fund, the Sneaker Exchange, the Great Ideas! Grants Program and Teacher Development Initiatives.

To locate an Indian River County RBC Bank to make a donation call: 1-888-769-2544. To learn more about the Community-wide School Supply Drive call Cynthia or Mary at the Education Foundation office: (772) 564-0034, or email: info@edfoundationirc.org, or visit: www.edfoundationirc.org

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