Officers from the Apopka Police Department teamed up with local school teachers on Friday for Apopka's second annual Back to School Shopping Event at U.S. Toy - a store for children’s toys, classroom materials and party supplies at 805 E. Semoran Blvd. in Apopka.
Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, Commissioners Billie Dean and Diane Velazquez and Police Chief Michael McKinley welcomed all the shoppers.
Ten teachers from Apopka-area schools were each provided with $200 to shop for needed school supplies.
The latest survey by the National School Supply and Equipment Association (now known as the Education Market Association) found that 99.5 percent of public school educators spend their own money on supplies for their classrooms and kids. During the 2012-13 school year, public school educators spent a total of $1.6 billion of their own money on such supplies. On average, teachers spent $485 each, and about 10 percent of teachers spent $1,000 or more.
APD Officers assisted by tallying up items, pushing the shopping carts and providing extra input on purchases. Afterward, the teachers were invited to the Apopka Police Department for food, refreshments and gift bags.
This event was made possible from generous donations from these local businesses (click on the links to learn more):
The Law Office of Joe Castrofort
Heather Baker State Farm
A-OK Tires
Greenbrier Afterlife Pet Care Specialists
Beef O' Bradys
Lou Haubner Realty
John V. Gammichia Family Dentistry
Chili's
Chick-fil-A
U.S. Toys
Walmart
