Backpacks Filled with Supplies Delivered to Eccleston Elementary School and 135+ Orange County public schools to Get Ready for Back-to-School

More than 70% of schools in Central Florida are considered high-need, and thousands of students will arrive at class on the first day of school with nothing in their hands. A Gift For Teaching’s Ready For Back-to-School, a three-part community giveback campaign presented by Walt Disney World Resort, aims to help these students start the school year with essential supplies to be excited and prepared to learn.

This year, The Great Big Backpack Build initiative kicked off the campaign in June with a record-breaking 20,000 brand-new backpacks and school supplies funded and packed by generous community partners. These backpacks will be delivered to 135 Orange County public schools with the highest need as well as public schools in Osceola County in preparation for the school year.

For nearly 25 years, A Gift For Teaching has helped ensure Central Florida students have the tools and experiences they need to succeed each school year. More than $11 million worth of free educational resources were distributed to local educators and their students last school year, and one-third of the supplies distributed were collected and raised through A Gift For Teaching’s Ready For Back-to-School.

There is still so much to do! Through August 18, 2023, local businesses and groups can register to be a part of the Back-to-School Drive initiative, Central Florida’s largest school supply drive, to help make a difference so teachers and students can begin the next school year with success. To learn how to start a supply drive, visit www.AGiftForTeaching.org/supplydrive.