$200K worth of supplies distributed to Palm Beach County schools

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — Hundreds of Palm Beach County students will receive free new school supplies next week thanks to the annual Tools for Schools program.

For the 20th year, Red Apple Supplies, Palm Beach County’s free teacher resource store, partnered with Publix Super Markets to distribute more than $201,000 worth of essential school supplies to teachers at 120 Title District schools I.

Teachers and principals went to the Red Apple supply store in Riviera Beach as early as 8 a.m. to receive supplies from volunteers, forming a line long enough to wrap around the building and continue down the street.

Volunteers filled the cars with supplies while others served hot chocolate and treats.

Education Foundation President Jim Moore also served as disc jockey for the event while a barbershop quartet serenaded drivers as they waited for supplies. Santa Claus was even there.

Palm Beach County Superintendent Michael Burke said the event was especially necessary given that one in five students in the district are at the poverty level.

“This goes a long way in making sure kids have the supplies they need to stay in class,” Burke said.

Dwayne Dennard, Pahokee’s middle and high school superintendent, seconded Burke’s comments, emphasizing the need for supplies.

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Dennard said 99 percent of students at his two schools qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch program, indicating significant financial need.

“Without these supplies, many of our children cannot reach their full potential,” Dennard said. “There are kids we’ve lost because we didn’t have these kinds of supplies. This is a great opportunity for parents and students, given the current inflation.”

Supplies distributed included everything from laptops to headphones and more.

Burke said the supplies will be distributed to students at the school next week.