UWFK and Publix Raise Over $43,000 for Keys Students

Florida Keys–United Way of the Florida Keys is excited to announce a successful ‘Stuff the Bus’ fundraising campaign, to help set our local students up for a great academic year. Thanks to the community once again donating generously, this will help provide student and classroom supplies for all 8,700 Monroe County students.

With the community’s support, UWFK’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign raised $17,058, and an additional $26,260 was raised through the Publix ‘Tools for Back to School’ campaign in their checkout lines in Monroe County…that means $43,318 was raised to purchase supplies that students need to succeed!

UWFK again distributed 100% of these funds directly to the schools so that they may order exactly what their students and classrooms need.  Last year, items purchased included basic school supplies for students in need, reading books, headphones for computer based learning, PE equipment, paints and brushes for art class, supplies for science experiments, chairs for students with specials needs, calculators, lap whiteboards, and more.

Additionally, UWFK works in partnership with Publix to distribute their ‘Tools for Back to School’ gift cards to each of the 16 Monroe County School District schools, allowing staff to purchase items now as well as replenish supplies throughout the year.

After last year’s campaign, Key West High School Principal Amber Acevedo said, “On behalf of the teachers at KWHS, I would like to thank you for the tremendous donation to our students and staff.  It truly has made a positive impact on our learning community.”

The ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign addresses two of UWFK’s focus areas—serving working families and increasing educational opportunities for children. We are proud that friends and neighbors in the Keys come together year after year to help local students.

United Way of the Florida Keys President/CEO Leah Stockton said, “Through ‘Stuff the Bus,’ we ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school, increasing their ability for academic achievement as well as ultimately strengthening local families and our communities. This is yet another example of our generous community coming together for the common good.”

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