Publix Provides ‘Tools for Back to School’

For Publix Super Market's annual Tools for Back to School campaign, running this year from July 23 through Aug. 12, customers and associates alike can donate $5, $7 or $10 to help purchase school supplies for local teachers, students and nonprofits aiding underserved children.

"Our Tools for Back to School program grew out of the need to help students and teachers," explained Brenda Reid, Publix media and community relations manager. "Many families do not have the resources to purchase school supplies, and many teachers spend their own money to buy supplies for their students. That's why this program is so important. It supports families and classroom teachers."

More than 1,100 Publix stores in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee will feature a Tools for Back to School display by the entrance, with $5, $7 and $10 tear-off tickets. Customers can tear off a ticket and give it to the cashier at checkout, and the amount on the ticket will be added to the grocery order. Those who donate will receive a Publix reusable bag. The school supplies purchased through the campaign, including notebooks, crayons, color pencils, markers, No. 2 pencils, notebook paper, folders, scissors and glue, will then be shipped in bulk to nonprofits and schools.

Privately owned and operated by its 177,000 employees, Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix has 1,103 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.