United Way Gifts in Kind Program Partners with Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to Support Educators with Free Resources
Fort Myers, FL (September 24, 2025) – The United Way Gifts in Kind program is proud to announce a powerful collaboration with the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, aimed at uplifting local educators by providing free essential items to teachers and school staff.
This initiative is designed to ease the financial burden often faced by educators who spend out-of-pocket to support their classrooms. Through this collaboration, teachers and staff across Lee County School District will have access to a wide range of donated goods, from classroom supplies and educational materials to personal care items and more.
“We are thrilled to join forces with the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools,” said Hannah Pelle, Chief Operating Officer for United Way. “Teachers are the backbone of our communities, and this partnership ensures they have the tools they need to succeed—without having to reach into their own pockets.”
The Gifts in Kind program, known for connecting nonprofits with corporate product donations, plays a vital role in this effort by sourcing high-quality items from generous partners. The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools coordinated the distribution to ensure that every school benefited from this initiative. With more than 1,300 teachers served and over $157,000 worth of supplies and materials distributed, the event made a significant impact across the county.
“This contribution goes far beyond supplies—it’s an investment in the success of our classrooms,” said Noelle Branning, Board Chair of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “We are deeply grateful to United Way for championing our educators and recognizing the vital role they play in shaping our community’s future.”
About United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $243 million since being established in 1957. All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network. United Way Partner Agencies and initiatives include: Dr. Piper Center, Literacy Council Gulf Coast, Family Initiative, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, and United Way 211, to mention a few. These agencies serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, meeting critical needs like helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
Media Contact:
Hannah Pelle, Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
Hannah@UnitedWayLee.org | d 239.433.7215 | c 239.247.0830
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President and CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
Tel. (239) 337-0433
Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org
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Linked: Pictures & Videos from event
