By: Kate L. Wakeman, Esq.

The Orange County Bar Association – Young Lawyers Section and the Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers is partnering to host the 2019 Backpack Project. The Backpack Project is an annual event in which the groups collect school supplies and assemble backpacks for students at Washington Shores Elementary School. The groups also partner with A Gift for Teaching, a local organization that serves 338 public schools and assists the more than 210,000 kids whose families live and or below the poverty line. More than 65% of the students in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties come from families that cannot afford lunch, much less school supplies for the upcoming school year. The Backpack Project was started to help local students and families have a successful year of learning.

Local law firms and businesses, including the Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller, are committed to helping the community and our local students. Our firm is sponsoring this year’s Backpack Project and we need your help. We are requesting that our clients and friends donate to this important cause. There are several ways to get involved:

1. Sponsor a Student: For a $20.00 donation, you can buy a child a backpack full of school supplies valued at approximately $50.00. Donations are accepted here via PayPal or you can contact our office to make other arrangements to donate.
2. Donate Supplies: Teachers have requested items that are not included in the backpacks, including: #2 pencils, markers, loose leaf paper, crayons, and dry erase markers. Other needed supplies include: pens, colored pencils, index cards, construction paper, folders, binders, dividers, protractors, hand soap and sanitizer, wipes and tissues, cotton balls, pencil boxes and pouches, highlighters and drawing boards. You may drop off donated supplies at our Firm.
3. Attend Happy Hour to Support the Cause: On Thursday, August 1, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 PM, supporters will gather at Bitters & Bottles Cocktail Lounge (861 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801). The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. You can purchase tickets here.

Every donation matters. For every $1 raised, $10 of school supplies can be provided to those in need. The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller is proud to support our local community and contribute to such an important cause. We encourage our clients and friends to donate if they are able and thank you in advance for your generous support.