Community Effort to Support Students in Need
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, dozens of volunteers from The Bullard Foundation spent their Saturday morning working tirelessly to assemble 15,000 backpacks for students in need. This initiative is part of the foundation’s 8th annual Back-to-School Bash, an event designed to ease the stress that many families face as they prepare for the start of the new school year.
Thaddeus Bullard, founder of the Bullard Family Foundation, emphasized the importance of this event. “It’s an opportunity for us to continue to invest in our community, invest in our kids, and invest in these teachers,” he said. He expressed frustration over the fact that many teachers often have to purchase school supplies out of their own pockets, in addition to not being paid fairly for their work.
The effort required significant time and dedication from volunteers, who spent several hours on Saturday filling each backpack with essential school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and other necessary items. Each backpack was carefully prepared to ensure that every child would have the tools they need to succeed in the upcoming school year.
Chris Farkas, from Hillsborough County Public Schools, highlighted the impact of the event. “Reality is, the first day of school, we’re all sitting in seats, but where we came from is not always going to be the same thing. So, this levels the playing field and it’s a great opportunity for us to show we can all come together as a community, support our students as a whole. There are 225,000 students in Hillsborough County, so this is a great opportunity to provide 15,000 of them with backpacks and supplies for that first day.”
Sam Garateix, a volunteer, shared his perspective on the initiative. “Every kid deserves the chance to start the school year off on the right foot, and we want to give them their best chance at being successful in the school year. That starts with having the right school supplies.”
Bullard added, “You never know what one of these backpacks is going to do for a particular person.” The event is more than just about providing school supplies; it also offers a chance for families to take care of their health.
“While the kids are getting served, whether they’re getting a haircut or their teeth cleaned, we can help serve the families by doing blood pressure checks, mammograms, etc. We can really equip these kids to go back to school more confident,” Bullard explained.
The Back-to-School Bash is set to take place on Saturday, July 26. Families are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the various services offered. This event serves as a reminder of the power of community involvement and the positive impact that collective efforts can have on the lives of children and their families.
By coming together, volunteers, educators, and local organizations are making a meaningful difference in the lives of students across Hillsborough County. This initiative not only provides essential resources but also fosters a sense of unity and support within the community.
