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Students head back to school in style with new backpacks filled with supplies

Students head back to school in style with new backpacks filled with supplies from colleagues at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital.

August 14, 2024
HCA Florida Englewood Colleagues and a volunteer pack colorful backpacks for students.

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital extended a helping hand to the children of colleagues and area students, ensuring they were well-prepared for the new school year. This was made possible through the hospital's initiative, the 'We Show Up! School Supply Drive', which ran throughout July.

The hospital collected enough backpacks and school supplies to provide 17 students with a backpack full of basic back-to-school supplies and a $20 gift card to a local retail store for other necessities. Volunteers dropped off three boxes filled with supplies for Kids' Needs of Greater Englewood, an organization supporting area students with clothing, supplies and other items.

Four of the oldest students were gifted a 14.1-inch laptop with Windows 10. Hospital volunteer Stew Kessler donated the laptops. He said, "Today, students have to be prepared for the role of technology in their everyday lives. Having access to the internet on a laptop will help improve their learning and performance. I was happy to be able to support the students with these laptops again this year."

Melody Ramirez, a hospital colleague, dropped by to pick up supplies for her three children. She said, "This is awesome. School supplies are not cheap. With this donation of supplies, I can afford to buy my kids more uniforms and shoes."

The impact of providing school supplies for some of the families in our community is truly transformative. It's not just about the supplies, it's about the hope and opportunity they represent.

"I am so proud of our colleagues and volunteers for coming together to collect everything from pens and pencils to laptops, said Joe Rudisill, CEO of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital.  "It is a priority to care for our community and each other, so it is heartwarming to see so many items collected. We hope this provides a little help to the families and sets the students up for a better learning experience overall."

Learn more about HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, and follow the hospital on Facebook.

Two HCA Florida Englewood Hospital colleagues packing colorful backpacks with school supplies.
A note that reads Thank you for my school supplies designed by Lyla, student.

Published:
August 14, 2024
Location:
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital