Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty collected a record 1,011 backpacks filled with school supplies for Northeast Florida children during its 17th Annual Backpack Challenge, beating out its previous record of 733 backpacks collected last year.
The backpacks and school supplies collected by the real estate firm during the campaign were donated to students across Northeast Florida via Dreams Come True, The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Community Connections of Jacksonville, Operation New Hope, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM), the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Orange Park Junior High School and Charles E. Bennett Elementary School. In St. Augustine, the backpacks were donated to Catholic Charities and children attending St. Johns County schools.
“We are filled with gratitude to all of our Realtors, employees and clients for ensuring that so many local children have the supplies they need for educational success,” said Linda Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty founder, president and CEO. “The Backpack Challenge is an event our team looks forward to participating in every year and we are very proud of their efforts.”
During the campaign, backpacks and school supplies were collected at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices throughout Northeast Florida. The backpacks were purchased for students in kindergarten through grade 12, and filled with school supplies such as pens, pencils, paper and notebooks.
“Words cannot express how much we appreciate the numerous donations and generous support we received from our team members and the community during the Backpack Challenge,” said Broker and Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “We know that beginning the school year with a new backpack filled with supplies makes a difference in the lives of children living in our communities, and this effort helps us accomplish that goal.”
