Margaret Ceaser and Andrea Nichols

The real estate professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty collected a record 571 backpacks filled with school supplies for children in Northeast Florida during its 15th Annual Backpack Challenge.

The Bridge of Northeast Florida

The backpacks and school supplies collected by the Northeast Florida real estate firm during the campaign were donated to students via Community Connections of Jacksonville, Operation New Hope, The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc., R.B. Hunt Elementary School, Hartley Elementary School, St. Augustine High School, Bryan Jennings Elementary School and Orange Park High School.

“Every child deserves to begin the school year with a new backpack and the supplies needed for school,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “A new backpack filled with school supplies is a wonderful gift providing the tools every student needs to begin a successful school year.”

During the campaign, backpacks and school supplies were collected at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices throughout Northeast Florida. The backpacks were purchased for students in kindergarten through grade 12 and filled with school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers and spiral notebooks.

 Andrea Nichols and Rebecca Pasko

“For many children, having a new backpack and school supplies gives them a sense of pride and boosts their confidence and self-esteem,” said Christy Budnick, executive vice president of residential real estate. “We truly appreciate the support and donations we received from our team and the community during the Backpack Challenge. Our team members have the biggest hearts.”