Keiser University and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County recently teamed to assist teachers and children in high-need classrooms by combining their ‘Kits for Kids’ and ‘Red Apple Supplies’ school supply drives.

Administrators from Keiser University including Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Community Relations and Student Advancement, Kimberly Lea, West Palm Beach campus president, and Elizabeth Houlihan Director of Student Services joined to present supplies to James Gavrilos, President and CEO of the Education Foundation and his staff members at the foundation’s Red Apple Supplies shop located in Riviera Beach, Florida. “We are honored to support learning opportunities for K-12 students as those on our 21 Florida campuses reach out to assist the important cause,” said Lea.

With many students enrolled in free and reduced meal programs, countless parents are unable to provide the basic school supplies that children need to learn effectively. In addition, schools across the country lack the funding to purchase necessary supplies. In answer to this dilemma, our Keiser University Kits for Kids school supply drive is making a significant impact on the learning experience of thousands of students throughout the state. “The Palm Beach Post recently reported that one out of every five children in Palm Beach County lives below the poverty level.  In a school district our size that means that 40,000 students started school this week unable to afford basic educational items. No teacher should have to dip into their own pockets to pay for the supplies. Thanks to Red Apple Supplies and our partnership with the incredible team at Keiser University, we will ensure that every child has what they need to learn, grow and succeed.  Keiser University is not just providing pencils and pens. They are providing dignity and hope,” said Gavrilos.

The mission of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County’s ‘Red Apple Supplies’ is to serve the educational and creative needs of children in Palm Beach County public schools by providing a means to transfer donated school supplies from businesses, organizations and individuals to teachers for use in high-needs classrooms throughout the school year.