$200,000 worth of supplies distributed to Palm Beach County schools

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

For the 20th year, red apple supplies, Palm Beach County Education Foundation‘s Free Teacher Resource Store has partnered with Publix Super Markets to distribute more than $201,000 in essential supplies to teachers in 120 schools in Title I districts.

Teachers and principals drove to the Red Apple Supply Store in Riviera Beach early at 8 a.m., picked up supplies from volunteers and formed a line long enough to wrap around the building and into the street.

Volunteers loaded supplies into cars, while others provided hot chocolate and candy.

Educational Foundation President Jim Moore also served as a disc jockey for the event, and a quartet of barbershops serenaded drivers while they waited for supplies. Santa Claus also visited the event.

Palm Beach County Superintendent Michael Burke said the event is especially needed since one in five students in the district is at a poverty level.

“This will really help make sure kids have the supplies they need to stay in the classroom,” Burke said.

Pahokee Middle and High School Principal Dwayne Dennard echoed Burke’s words and emphasized the need for supplies.

Dennard said 99 percent of the students at his two schools are in the free or reduced-price meal program, indicating significant financial need.

“Without these supplies, many children will not be able to reach their full potential,” Dennard said. “There are children who have lost their lives because they didn’t have these supplies. With inflation on the rise, this is a great opportunity for parents and students.”

Supplies distributed included everything from laptops to headphones and more.

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