Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty welcomes everyone to “take the challenge” and support its 15th Annual Backpack Challenge.

The Northeast Florida real estate firm is collecting backpacks and school supplies for local children at all area Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices through Thursday, July 31.

“A new backpack filled with school supplies prepares students for a successful school year,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “For many children, it boosts their self-esteem and confidence.”

Last year, the company’s team gathered more than 450 backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies. This year, the company has set a goal to gather even more backpacks and exceed last year’s results.

Backpacks and supplies may be dropped off at the following Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office locations:

• Home Office – 4190 Belfort Road, Suite 475, Jacksonville
• Atlantic Beach/Arlington – 375-1 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach
• Avondale/Ortega – 3627 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville
• Fleming Island – 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island
• Mandarin/St. Johns – 11567 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville
• Ponte Vedra – 1000 Sawgrass Village Drive, Suite 101, Ponte Vedra Beach
• San Marco/San Jose – 1983 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville
• St. Augustine – 112 Sea Grove Main St., Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach

Backpacks should be labeled by grade and gender. The company is collecting backpacks for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Suggested school supply items to fill the backpacks include lined paper, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons, highlighters, pencil cases, rulers, glue sticks, blunt scissors, folders, three-ring binders, dividers, one-subject spiral notebooks, copy paper, colored pencils or markers and a scientific calculator. Additional items that would be appreciated include stuffed animals or toys, baseball caps and socks, tissues, toiletries (shampoo, toothbrushes, etc.) compass/protractor, water colors, white glue, activity/sticker books, journals and index cards.

“We welcome everyone to join us in our effort to help children in need,” said Christy Budnick, executive vice president of residential real estate. “With the new school year approaching, let’s ensure that each child in the community has the tools to succeed. Together, we can make a difference.”