Fort Myers, FL (November 19, 2025) – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools partnered with United Way’s Gifts in Kind program for a second large-scale educator support event, held on November 11, providing free essential items to teachers and school staff across Lee County.
This continued collaboration ensures that educators have access to much-needed classroom materials and personal essentials—resources that often come out of teachers’ own pockets. Through the coordinated efforts of both organizations, schools throughout the district received a wide variety of donated goods, helping replenish supplies as the school year progresses.
“We are deeply grateful to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties for their Gifts In Kind program,” said Noelle Branning, Board Chair of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “This community partnership is making a meaningful difference in classrooms across Lee County by ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to thrive.”
United Way’s Gifts in Kind program, which collaborates with corporate partners to secure product donations for local nonprofits, supplied high-quality materials for distribution. The Foundation led the outreach and coordination to ensure schools across the county received equitable access to the items.
“United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is proud to stand with our educators. Through our Gifts in Kind program, we’re making sure teachers have the essentials they need—because when teachers succeed, students succeed.” says Hannah Pelle, Chief Operating Officer of United Way.
In total, over $120,000 worth of supplies and materials were provided to educators, delivering meaningful relief and reinforcing community support for those who serve students every day.
About United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $272 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
