August 18, 2005
By: JANET WATSON, Staff Writer, Pasco News

LAND O' LAKES -- Mary Anderson and Laura Quintana, co-captains of the Land O' Lakes Distribution Center for S.T.E.P.S. (School Tools that Empower and Promote Success) couldn't say enough about the wonderful cooperation that they received from local businesses and organizations as they got ready for their big distribution on Saturday, Aug. 6.

According to the East Pasco S.T.E.P.S. web site, school supplies are one of the lowest expenses in our schools but one of the first things to be cut from budgets. Many teachers make up the shortfall by spending an average of over $700 out of their own pockets. Schools generally provide parents with lists of what children should have. The average cost of each child's supplies can run approximately $32 to $41 in Pasco County's Elementary grades.

Obviously, some families will be able to afford the necessary items; others will not. Because students who have the proper tools and supplies are likely to feel better-prepared for school and be more successful throughout the school year, S.T.E.P.S. endeavors to assist them by providing what they need.

"The Suncoast Harvest Food Bank/Clara's Closet gave us the most help. They stored, promoted , sorted, donated, and delivered," Anderson said. Curves Care and Citrus Health Care made generous donations, the Land O' Lakes Kash n' Karry donated a gift certificate, and Victorious Life donated bottles of water.

"We even received clothes that were left in Lost & Found at the different schools," Anderson said. Lake Myrtle Elementary, Sanders Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School sent many items that were washed and sorted.

Tables in the Land O' Lakes Community Center were filled with markers, crayons, scissors, books, lunch boxes, backpacks, umbrellas, glue, pencils, notebooks, binders, rulers, calculators, index cards, Kleenex, paper towels, plastic bags, protractors, compasses and more. There were even tubes of sunscreen donated by local dermatologist, Dr. Diana Calderone.

In another room were jackets, jeans, and other items of clothing, so that families could have fun shopping for new school outfits. Children could even receive back-to-school haircuts, courtesy of hairstylists Sherry Smith of Yvonne's Beauty Salon and Pamela Jones of Fantastic Sam's. United Health Care and Citrus Health Care passed out health insurance information.

Teenage volunteers from Land O' Lakes High School and Sue Haus of Curves assisted families on their shopping trips, and the community center staff was generous with their time and assistance, as well.

All-in-all, it was a successful morning for the S.T.E.P.S. program. Quintana was busy registering all the families on her laptop and registering them for Toys for Tots in december, as well. Twenty-six families (77 children) were able to shop for school supplies at the Land O' Lakes center.

At the Zephyrhills Center 149 families (392 children) were assisted, and they didn't run short of supplies, thanks to donations brought in by the Zephyrhills Police and Fire Departments form their collections at the Zephyrhills Wal_mart and K-Mart. Trilby's distribution center served 38 families (63 children) before they ran out of supplies.

"All in all, not a bad outing," said Bob Loring the East Pasco Toys for Toys coordinator who got the ball rolling for the S.T.E.P.S program.

Wesley Chapel children were served at both the Land O' Lakes and Zephyrhills centers, but more would have been helped if there were a distribution center in our community. Loring is looking for a Wesley Chapel group to distribute both Toys for Tots at Christmas and next year's S.T.E.P.S. program at a location right here in Wesley Chapel. Anna Fulk, who successfully runs the Zephyrhills Toys for Tots, has volunteered to run a Wesley Chapel event with assistance from other community members.

How about it, Wesley Chapel? Can we do what needs to be done for our kids?

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