Back to school can be an exciting time for kids—starting a new grade, making new friends, and meeting new teachers. But for families struggling to buy the long list of supplies their kids will need, it can be a stressful time, too.
To help, local restaurants are doing their part, and you can too!
Panera Bread bakery-cafes are partnering with the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools to hold a week-long school supply drive at all of their Bay Area locations, including here in Carrollwood at 13256 N. Dale Mabry Highway.
Donation boxes, along with a list of supplies, are located in the store, and customers can drop off donations until Friday, Aug. 19.
Upon completion of the drive, the supplies will be distributed to schools in need throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. The Hillsborough Education Foundation distributes supplies through Teaching Tools stores, where teachers have access to these needed supplies all year long. The foundation helps over 50,000 kids prepare for school each year.
Vikki Kaiser, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Covelli Family Limited Partnership, a Franchisee of Panera, LLC, says Panera Bread is proud to do their part for such an important cause.
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“Our customers have always been so generous, and we’ve really seen the spirit of giving come alive this week," she said of the donation drive so far. “Together, we can make a difference.”
To donate to the drive, simply bring school supplies to any Panera Bread location in Tampa Bay, and place them in the donation boxes. A list of needed supplies is also located in Panera restaurants.