Every summer, Southwest Florida’s generosity shines brightly as individuals, organizations and businesses come together to collect school supplies for students in need.
This collective effort is a beautiful testament to why we’re fortunate to live and work in this region – a community where people truly care for their neighbors.
These donated supplies are much more than just notebooks, folders or packs of crayons. For many children and teens, education is the key to unlocking a future full of possibilities. They understand that by studying hard and focusing in the classroom, they can turn their dreams into reality.
Guadalupe Center’s 32nd annual School Supply Drive this summer was a tremendous success. Collection bins were overflowing with notebooks, folders, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, crayons, erasers and more – essential tools for academic success.
Starting the school year fully equipped boosts confidence, and a confident student is more likely to succeed.
However, as any parent can attest, school supplies don’t last forever. Just a few weeks into the school year, pencils and crayons become shorter, packs of looseleaf paper run thin and glue sticks start to dry out. The need for new supplies is ongoing, even though collections and distribution events are largely held over the summer.
As the school year progresses, supplies such as paper, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils and glue are in high demand.
The After-school Tutoring Program, now available at all five elementary schools in Immokalee, serves 1,100 students throughout the year. Guadalupe Center teachers are responsible for ensuring that students have the necessary academic materials and classroom supplies after the regular school day ends.
These items top our teachers’ wish lists:
Academic materials
- Language arts games (K-2nd grades)
- Math games (K-2nd grades)
- Learning games (K-2nd grades)
- Sight word rings
- Play manipulatives
- Board games
- Index cards
Classroom supplies
- Dry erase markers
- Dry erase pocket sleeves
- Plastic bags (gallon, quart and sandwich)
- Pencil sharpeners (battery operated)
- Permanent markers
- Traditional headphones (not ear pods)
- Play-Doh
- Tissues
- Storage clipboards
- AA and AAA batteries
- Sticky notes
- Construction paper
The After-school Program is generating outstanding results – 100% of students in kindergarten, first and second grades show substantial learning gains in reading and math upon program completion. With the community’s support, we’ve been able to provide the high-quality education that will create endless possibilities for the leaders of tomorrow.
For questions about school supplies or to schedule a donation pick-up, please contact Elizabeth Cuevas at ECuevas@GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-944-9988.
About the Author
Dawn Montecalvo is president and CEO at Guadalupe Center, a nationally recognized education provider serving more than 2,000 students annually in Immokalee. To learn more, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.
