As children and families prepared for the start of a new school year, the community stepped forward in remarkable ways to ensure Fuller Center students began the year ready to learn, grow, and succeed. Through backpack drives, school supply collections, financial contributions, and special community events, local businesses, faith organizations, and supporters helped provide hundreds of children with the tools they need to start the year with confidence.
The beginning of the school year can place a significant financial strain on families already balancing the costs of housing, transportation, childcare, and everyday necessities. Thanks to the generosity of community partners, many Fuller Center families were able to focus on the excitement of a new school year rather than the stress of purchasing school supplies.
These acts of support reflect the power of community investment in children and families. Across Fuller Center’s programs, students received backpacks, classroom supplies, water bottles, notebooks, shoes, socks, and other essentials that help create a positive foundation for academic success from day one.
Fuller Academy received a generous donation from Four Seasons Delray Beach, including 160 backpacks, 140 composition notebooks, 30 packs of loose-leaf paper, 30 pairs of scissors, 80 water bottles, and 25 bottles of Elmer’s glue. Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church also donated approximately 120 backpacks filled with school-supply-list items, along with additional classroom supplies valued at approximately $4,000.
Additional donations were shared across programs, including approximately 100 backpacks and multiple carloads of school supplies from ADT; backpacks, school necessities, shoes, and socks for elementary-aged students through Spirit of Giving; and a $2,000 contribution from The Town of Palm Beach United Way.
J. McLaughlin Hosts Community Giving Event
J. McLaughlin hosted a Back-to-School Drive Sip and Shop, hosted by Amy McKie-Billing and Greg Billing, and featuring a book signing with children’s book author Deborah C. Zourdos. The event benefited Fuller Center families through donations of backpacks, coloring books, water bottles, and other essential school supplies to help children begin the year prepared and confident.
Additional support is also anticipated through The Breakers, with final donation totals to be shared following the completion of its back-to-school drive.
These collective efforts helped reduce the financial burden many families face at the start of the school year while ensuring students across Fuller Center’s programs had the tools needed to succeed.
Preparing Children and Families for Success
The beginning of a new school year represents more than new classrooms and school supplies. It represents opportunity, growth, and the promise of what lies ahead.
Through Early Learning, Fuller Academy, Out-of-School Time, and Teen Leadership, Fuller Center continues to provide children and youth with safe environments, caring relationships, and opportunities to achieve their full potential.
As the year progresses, Fuller Center remains grateful for the families, educators, community partners, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, they help children build confidence, strengthen academic foundations, develop leadership skills, and create brighter futures.
From infants taking their first developmental steps to teenagers preparing for college and careers, Fuller Center’s continuum of care ensures children and families have the support they need at every stage of life’s journey.
Be Part of This Change
The generosity of our community helped hundreds of children begin the school year equipped for success, but the need continues far beyond the first day of school. Throughout the year, Fuller Center provides educational support, afterschool enrichment, mentorship opportunities, family resources, and transformative programs that help children thrive from infancy through young adulthood.
You can help make that impact possible. By supporting Fuller Center’s Back-to-School Appeal, you are investing in opportunities that empower children, strengthen families, and build brighter futures for our community. Every gift, regardless of size, helps ensure that children have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to reach their full potential.
