Broward Education Foundation launches annual Back to School Supply Drive to provide essential supplies for thousands of students and teachers across the county

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – As families across Broward County prepare for another school year, the Broward Education Foundation has launched its annual Back to School Supply Drive, an effort designed to make sure students and teachers have the tools they need when classes begin.

The countywide initiative officially started in Fort Lauderdale and will continue through August 31, 2026. The drive aims to collect essential school supplies for students while also helping teachers who often spend their own money to provide materials for their classrooms.

The Broward Education Foundation, the only 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated exclusively to supporting students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, organizes the yearly campaign to reduce financial challenges faced by families and educators.

Organizers say the need remains significant. During last year’s supply drive, the foundation helped more than 130,000 students across 195 schools and provided important classroom supplies to more than 12,000 teachers throughout the district.

The effort also addresses a growing concern among educators nationwide. According to the National Education Association, more than 90% of teachers spend an average of $800 of their own money each year purchasing supplies for their classrooms.

Broward Education Foundation President and CEO James A. Knapp said the program plays an important role in creating equal opportunities for students while supporting teachers who work to provide engaging learning experiences.

Read also: Fort Lauderdale moves forward with $217 million new City Hall plan after commissioners reject downtown office tower renovation alternatives

“Every child deserves a fair chance at a quality education,” said James A. Knapp, President & CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “By providing students with the tools they need, we’re helping build their confidence and setting them up for success in the classroom while giving teachers the resources they need to create engaging learning environments.”

The foundation is inviting businesses, community groups, and residents to take part in the supply drive in several different ways. Supporters can request a free donation box for their workplace, collect supplies, and arrange for items to be delivered to the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center or picked up by request.

Businesses and organizations can also participate by adopting a school and helping provide backpacks filled with essential materials for students who need extra support.

Another option is purchasing supplies through the foundation’s curated Amazon Wishlist. Items purchased through the list are sent directly to the School Supply Center, where they can be organized and distributed to schools.

The foundation is also offering a free School Supply Drive Tool Kit with planning information, ideas, and social media resources to help community members organize their own collection efforts. Individuals who prefer online giving can host a virtual drive by making a donation through the foundation’s online platform.

Financial donations can also make a direct impact. According to the foundation, a $250 donation can provide art supplies for an entire classroom, while $100 can help support a teacher with essential classroom tools and resources. A $25 contribution can provide one student with a fully stocked backpack.

Read also: Pompano Beach City Commission to hold major FY 2027 budget workshop on July 20 at City Commission Chambers

The most requested supplies for this year’s drive include backpacks, black composition books, crayons, pink erasers, two-pocket folders, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, highlighters, hole punchers, 3-inch by 5-inch index cards, markers, spiral notebooks with wide ruling, loose-leaf paper, pencil pouches, pencil sharpeners, number two pencils with erasers, mechanical pencils, black and blue pens, rulers, and child-safe scissors.

Community members who would like to donate supplies can drop them off at the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center, located at 2300 W. Copans Road, Bay 5, in Pompano Beach, Florida.

The foundation encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to participate before the August 31 deadline. Donations collected through the campaign will help students arrive at school prepared and provide teachers with resources they need to create productive classrooms.

Those interested in hosting a supply drive or arranging a donation pickup can contact Hector Javier at 754-321-9020 or [email protected].

Through community support, the Broward Education Foundation hopes to continue reducing barriers for students and educators while helping thousands of classrooms across Broward County start the new school year with confidence.