On December 2, about 100 volunteers from Publix Super Markets joined the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and administrators from the School District of Palm Beach County, to hand out free supplies during the annual Tools for Schools event.

Thanks to the generosity of Publix, 120 Title I schools received more than $201,000 in school supplies. “By any measure, this year's annual Tools for Schools was a tremendous success,” said James Gavrilos, President and CEO of the Education Foundation. “Our teachers and principals had smiles that lit up the morning as they drove through our Red Apple Supplies location, passing from station to station where volunteers helped load up their cars, each school receiving nearly $1,600 in supplies.”

Along with the team of volunteers, Palm Beach County School Board Chairman Frank Barbieri, Superintendent Mike Burke, and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Glenda Sheffield were on hand to greet the teachers and principals and help load up vehicles with supplies. The event included holiday tunes sung by the Coastmen Chorus, cookies and hot chocolate, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Five Guys restaurant provided lunch for the volunteers.

“The Holiday Spirit was alive and well throughout the morning as once again Palm Beach County came together to ensure that our students have everything they need to receive a first-class education,” Gavrilos said. “The business community knows no limits to their generosity when it comes to our children. And the gratitude expressed by our principals and teachers put a smile on everyone's face. When we come together for our kids, it truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”