The ‘School Tools’ Project
Report to the Community
August 2006
By Bob Loring
On August 5th, the Saturday before Pasco County schools opened for classes, family members representing over 500 pre-registered children were outfitted with backpacks brimming with school supplies. The collected supplies were donated by residents living East Pasco County. Organized in the manner of our Toys for Tots toy drive, drop box collection sites were strategically placed throughout the community. Also assisting us with the distribution were our many faithful volunteers. Together we combined to, ‘lend a helping hand,’ many of Pasco’s most deserving children.
The short, but most impressive list of businesses and organizations that assisted our valiant efforts must include:
The Zephyrhills event was capably headed by Sue Hilton:
Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, The Marine Corps League, Premier HealthCare, the Scouts, Westgate printing, Golden Coral, Morrison restaurant, B.J.’s restaurant, Zephyrhills Daybreak and Noon Rotary Clubs, Mainly New England, Jason Shipley & family, The Zephyrhills Fire & Rescue & Police Department & their explorers, VFW, Neighborhood Care Center, Lykins pharmacy, and many other caring citizens and organizations.
The Wesley Chapel event was skillfully directed by Anna Fulk:
The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, The Pasco Sheriff’s Department, Pasco County Fire & Rescue, Wesley Chapel Elementary school, the Wesley Chapel cheer leaders, Wesley Chapel Sweet Bay Supper Market, Sam’s Club, McDonalds, The New York Yankees, Wesley Chapel & San Antonio Rotary clubs, Dollar Stores, Metro Storage, Market Technology, Bright House, Pasco Woods, Rock of Hope Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and many other caring citizens and organizations.
The Dade City effort was expertly led by Carol Sanborn:
The South Fork RV Park Woman’s Club and the Dade City Rotary Clubs.
(Note: apologizes to any group or organization we mistakenly omitted)
After our Saturday distribution, an abundant amount of additional school supplies were then donated directly to area “Title One” schools throughout East Pasco.
It is with great joy and hope for the future that I commend all the many folks involved in donating, collecting, sorting and distributing our collected school supplies. Once again many caring folks of our fair community rallied to face this enormous challenge.
Special thanks to Anna Fulk, Sue Hilton and Carol Sanborn whose dexterous leadership and organization skills never faltered. It is a pleasure to have the great honor of working with you three concerned community leaders.
Once again, through our collective actions, we have made a positive impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, our precious children. We are determined to help make the playing field just a bit more level for the Pasco children that live in abject poverty. Our stated mission is: to provide all our children their opportunity to experience The American Dream!
