Fifth Third Bank South Florida has partnered with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County to collect school supplies for the bank’s fifth annual back-to-school supply drive. Now through July 26, donations will be accepted at all Fifth Third financial centers in Palm Beach County.
The most urgently needed items include: glue sticks, crayons, index cards, pens, pencils, erasers, paper (both lined and plain printer paper), two-pocket folders, dry-erase markers, spiral notebooks, binders and rulers.
“With this drive, we’re striving to help children and families by providing them with the tools for success,” said David Call, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank South Florida. “We encourage the public to support our children, teachers and schools by donating at any local Fifth Third branch.”
According to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, a growing number of schools are facing supply shortages caused by budget and funding cuts. The organization also reported that as of May 31, the number of homeless students in Palm Beach County increased to 3,203 — a nearly 50 percent increase since June 2012.
“The increase of homeless students in our area is not only a serious issue for our children and families, but it puts a strain on our education system as well,” said Mary Kay Murray, executive director of the Education Foundation. “Many of our schools lack basic items — such as pencils and paper — and these shortages present serious challenges for teachers. This partnership with Fifth Third helps our most at-risk students start the school year on the right foot — with a backpack full of school supplies.”
To find the nearest Fifth Third Bank branch, visit www.53.com. For more information about the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, visit www.educationfoundationpbc.org.
