As students prepare to return to the classroom, AdventHealth Heart of Florida team members and community partners are helping ensure local children have the supplies they need to start the new school year on the right foot.

Through a back-to-school supply drive, team members collected more than 100 backpacks and more than 2,500 school-supply items for students at Loughman Oaks Elementary School in Davenport, Florida.

Donations included notebooks, folders, binders, pencils, crayons, markers, glue, tissues, and other classroom essentials that will help students begin the school year ready to learn.

Representatives said the initiative is part of AdventHealth's ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of children and families throughout the communities it serves.

In addition to hospital team members, donations were also provided by the Giving from the Heart organization, the New Tempo/Living Word Mission Group, and the AdventHealth Polk Foundation.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year feeling confident and prepared," said Jesse Birth, AdventHealth Polk Market volunteer program manager. "Our team members were thrilled to support students at Loughman Oaks Elementary through this effort. Education plays an important role in a child's future, and we're grateful for the chance to partner with local schools in a way that helps students focus on learning and growing from day one."

Team members collected donations over several weeks before delivering the supplies to the school ahead of the first day of classes.

“On behalf of the students, staff, and families of Loughman Oaks Elementary, thank you to AdventHealth for your generous donation of school supplies,” said Principal Keila Pagan Cartagena, of Loughman Oaks Elementary School. “Your support helps ensure our students have the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to our school community. Thank you for making a positive difference in the lives of our students.”

AdventHealth regularly partners with local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to support programs that promote the health, education, and well-being of children and families across Central Florida.

The original article was published on the AdventHealth news site.