WESLEY CHAPEL–At the beginning of each school year, the high cost of education can really be a struggle for parents on limited incomes. Even children attending public schools are sent home with a list of supplies that they will need, and along with the necessary backpacks to carry them in, the bill for purchasing everything can be a hefty one.

 On Saturday, August 5, 2006, over 200 youngsters were outfitted with many of the supplies they will need for a good start toward a successful school year, thanks to the generosity of this community.  The School Tool Project, formerly known as S.T.E.P.S., welcomed needy students and families to its distribution center at Wesley Chapel Elementary School.  It was the first time for the fall event in the Wesley Chapel community. 

 The school items came from individuals and businesses and were collected in large boxes on display throughout the community.  On two consecutive weekends school-related supplies and cash donations were collected with the help of deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and members of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at Sweetbay Supermarket and Sam’s Club.

 On August 3 Bob Loring and Anna Fulk, of the School Tool Project, gratefully accepted  a $200 cash donation from the Wesley Chapel company, Market Technologies, along with a box filled with school supplies collected by individual employees.

 According to Lane Mendelsohn, Vice President of Market Technologies, which was recently named the “Best Place to Work in the Tampa Area” by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the employees were enthusiastic about participating in the School Tool Project and will participate in the Toys for Tots program, as well.Fulk was particularly grateful for cash donations received, which actually purchased the bulk of the supplies distributed last Saturday.

 The excitement in the air as children shopped for their new school items on August 5 was exhilarating for all who participated in the project. Volunteers included Wesley Chapel High School cheerleaders, members of the Rock of Hope Church in Tampa, and deputies from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.  The Wesley Chapel McDonald’s donated breakfast sandwiches for the volunteers, and Joe Labarbera, manager of the Wesley Chapel Sweetbay supermarket personally delivered Cuban sandwiches, chips and drinks for the volunteers’ lunch.

 A similar School Tool Project event was held at the Boy Scout/Girl Scout Building in Zephyrhills, assisted by the Zephyrhills Police Department.

 Bob Loring appreciated everyone who came to the distribution centers to help.
 “It puts a face on poverty, to be there,” he said.  “It’s not the same as just putting items in the box or writing a check.”  He emphasized that it’s better for both givers and recipients to see each other “face to face and heart to heart.”

 “We’ve begun to achieve community recognition,” Loring added.  The spirit of the community is really getting behind this effort.”