Several hundred children across Florida went back to school today with a boost of confidence and brand new back packs filled with everything they'll need on the first day of school thanks to the efforts of AFSCME members across the state. AFSCME Florida Council 79 held back to school cook out events in five cities last weekend from the Panhandle to Miami helping to prepare students for the 2019 school year. "The children are our future," said Vicki Hall, President of AFSCME Florida and the coordinator of the event. "We do this to make sure students start the year off on the right foot and have the best possible chance of success."
In Jacksonville alone, AFSCME gave out over 400 school supply filled backpacks to local families. "This is an important event in our community," said Mary Blocker-Williams, Vice President of Council 79 Region 1. "It takes the stress and worry off of parents who may be struggling and the sense of self-assuredness on the faces of the children as they put on the backpacks and prepared to start the school year was priceless."
School supplies were especially appreciated in Chatahoochee where Tallulah Thomas, President of Local 1963 set up a cook out at the State Hospital for local AFSCME members and families. "This is an area still reeling from a devastaing hurricane," said Thomas, "when times are hard, AFSCME is there to give back and even something like school supplies can go a long way in helping working families."
The cost of basic school supplies goes up each year and the cost for any parent can be overwhelming. Supplying returning students with basic supplies at the beginning of the year highly affects the learning process and helps students engage in lesson plans. Studies show supplying children with their own supplies improves grades, attitudes, creativeity, peer relationships, and self image.
AFSCME Florida is proud to ensure so many of our future leaders have the tools they need to succeed and wish all of our union family around the state a safe and productive 2019-2020 school year.
For photos and video from AFSCME Florida's amazing weekend of Back to School events, check out our Facebook and Instagram channels.
