The Boca Raton Airport’s efforts help children start the school year right

Friday July 13th marked the end of a successful back to school drive at the Boca Raton Airport, raising a substantial amount of school supplies for children in need.

The Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) partnered with Garry Madolid of Signature Flight Support and Devin Lawrence of Atlantic Aviation to collect the school supplies, which will be distributed to students by the Spirit of Giving Network.

“We want to thank everyone who donated and helped with the back to school drive,” said BRAA Executive Director Clara Bennett. “Because of everyone’s participation, children throughout Palm Beach County will be able to attend the first day of school with new clothes and supplies that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

From July 5th through the 13th, five large boxes were generously and completely filled with donated school supplies, which ranged from uniform shirts, socks and shoes to paper, pens, pencils and glue sticks.

“These supplies can go a long way to ensuring that local children begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed,” said Bennett.

Spirit of Giving Network Executive Director Sue Diener and Special Events Coordinator, Lindy Harvey picked up the boxes of supplies and will deliver them to the Village Academy School in Delray Beach, which is the site of the 2018 Spirit of Giving Back to School Bash. On August 4th, the Bash will give over 4,000 at-risk children an opportunity to pick out their new school supplies, receive a free haircut and take part in other activities as they celebrate and prepare for the first day of school. BRAA staff members will be onsite volunteering during set up and event days, further extending the efforts of the back to school drive.

As a dedicated community partner celebrating 70 years of service in Boca Raton, the BRAA strives to strengthen Boca Raton and its surrounding neighborhoods through fundraisers, charitable events and community outreach. The Airport is proud to have partnered with the Spirit of Giving Network, and looks forward to giving continued support to philanthropic efforts that uplift the community.