AutoNation associates and summer interns donate more than 2,500 school supplies to help Broward County students start strong

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – AutoNation employees and summer interns are helping Broward County students prepare for the new school year by donating more than 2,500 school supplies through the Broward Education Foundation’s annual Back-to-School Supply Drive.

The effort, based in Fort Lauderdale, brought together AutoNation Associates and interns throughout the summer. They collected, organized and donated a wide range of items that students can use in the classroom, including pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, erasers and backpacks.

The drive was led by AutoNation’s summer interns, with support from Associates across the company. Their work was aimed at helping provide basic classroom materials to students attending Title I schools in Broward County.

For families facing financial challenges, the cost of preparing a child for a new school year can quickly add up. A backpack, notebooks and even everyday items such as pencils and folders can become another expense at a time when household budgets are already under pressure. The donation is intended to help make sure students have some of the supplies they need when classes begin.

“Our Associates and interns are proud to come together to support local students and ensure they have the resources needed to start the school year strong,” said Lisa Rhodes Ryans, VP Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs, AutoNation. “Having the necessary school supplies on the first day of school can make a meaningful difference in a student’s confidence and readiness to learn. Through our longstanding partnership with the Broward Education Foundation, we’re proud to help equip students for a successful school year while giving back to the communities we serve.”

Read also: West Palm Beach earns 23 Sunsational Awards for outstanding community events and creative campaigns

The partnership between AutoNation and the Broward Education Foundation is part of the company’s ongoing involvement in the local community. This year’s supply drive gives employees a direct way to contribute to students and teachers before the start of another academic year.

The Broward Education Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) organization solely dedicated to supporting students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools. Its work includes efforts designed to strengthen educational opportunities for students throughout the county.

The foundation welcomed AutoNation’s continued participation in the annual drive and highlighted the broader importance of businesses working with community organizations to support local schools.

“AutoNation’s continued support of the Broward Education Foundation, including our annual school supply drive, is a meaningful investment in the success of our students and educators,” said James A. Knapp, President & CEO, Broward Education Foundation. “Their partnership helps ensure students across Broward County begin the school year with the supplies, confidence and support they need to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to AutoNation and its Associates for standing with us and showing what is possible when business and community come together for our schools.”

The more than 2,500 donated items represent a range of supplies students may use throughout the school year. Rather than focusing on a single type of material, AutoNation employees and interns gathered basic classroom necessities that can be distributed to students who need them.

The effort also gave AutoNation’s summer interns an active role in the company’s community work. They helped lead the collection and preparation of the donations, working alongside Associates throughout the summer to gather and sort the supplies.

The Back-to-School Supply Drive comes as students and families across Broward County prepare to return to classrooms. Having school materials ready before the first day can remove one potential obstacle for students and allow them to begin the year better prepared.

Read also: Fort Lauderdale United suffers heartbreaking late defeat in season opener against Sporting JAX

For AutoNation, the initiative is also a continuation of its relationship with the Broward Education Foundation. The company said its Associates and interns were proud to take part in an effort focused on the communities where they live and work.

As the new school year approaches, the donated supplies will provide practical support to students in Title I schools. The contribution also underscores the role local businesses can play in helping schools and families meet everyday educational needs.

The drive is a relatively simple effort — collecting and donating classroom supplies — but its impact can extend beyond the individual items. For students starting a new school year, having the right materials can bring a greater sense of readiness and confidence as they enter the classroom.