(March 24, 2020) TAMPA – This is an unprecedented time in education. COVID-19 concerns are impacting how our students continue to learn, how teachers are providing lessons and how Hillsborough Education Foundation continues to provide supplies and resources to support students who need them most.
While we have closed our Teaching Tools Resource Center—an onsite store at HEF where Hillsborough County Public Schools Title I teachers can shop for supplies for free once a month throughout the school year—that isn’t stopping us from getting supplies to more than 10,000 students.
Today, Hillsborough Education Foundation staff is packaging and distributing supplies to 41 Achievement Schools, the highest-needs schools in our district. HEF employees and members from the district’s Achievement Schools team will be delivering the supplies to the elementary and K-8 schools this afternoon for teachers to hand out to their students. Schools may also pick up supplies at HEF.
What: HEF packaging and delivering school supply kits for at-risk students in Hillsborough County When: Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Video and live shot opportunities:
10:30 AM – 1 PM: HEF staff will be creating supply kits for students and loading supplies for delivery Where: Hillsborough Education Foundation, 2306 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa 33607
The need is great in Hillsborough County where two out of three students rely on free or reduced-price lunch at school and they rely on the free supplies we provide—that’s an estimated 145,000 students and the number will continue to grow with the current economic slowdown.
Hillsborough Education Foundation is asking for the community’s support to help ensure the achievement gap doesn’t grow even wider with students learning from home. For more information about how you can help, visit educationfoundation.com.
Media interested in covering this event are asked to contact Kendra Oestreich at (813) 944-9510. Video and interviews will be available via Dropbox upon request.
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About the Hillsborough Education Foundation
Established in 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. HEF’s resources and financial support enrich K–12 educational experiences by providing opportunities for all students, regardless of background or economic status. Together with our community partners, HEF strategically invests in initiatives that impact teaching quality and increase graduation rates, bolstering a thriving workforce of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. Learn more at educationfoundation.com.