U.S. Sugar distributed nearly 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies and uniforms to students in Hendry and Palm Beach counties through a community-driven back-to-school initiative.

U.S. Sugar announced on Friday that it distributed nearly 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in Hendry and Palm Beach counties as part of its back-to-school drive.

The company collaborated with local libraries, churches, health centers, and community organizations to reach students in Clewiston, Harlem, LaBelle, and the Glades communities. School uniforms were also provided to students in LaBelle.

“Palm Beach County schools are greatly enriched through the generosity of corporate neighbors like U.S. Sugar,” said James Gavrilos, President & CEO of the Palm Beach County Education Foundation. “By aligning with us on delivering much-needed school supplies, it’s clear U.S. Sugar shares our foundation’s commitment to supporting and expanding learning opportunities throughout the region.”

U.S. Sugar’s partners in the region included the Clewiston Library, Florida B. Thomas Community Library in Harlem, Florida Community Health Centers in the Glades Communities, Christ Central Church in LaBelle, Palm Beach County Education Foundation throughout the Glades, the City of South Bay, Melissa’s House in Pahokee, and Melissa’s Place homeless shelter in Pahokee.

“Families in Clewiston, Harlem and the Glades Communities are incredibly grateful for U.S. Sugar’s support for school supplies as students begin to head back to school,” said Nardina Johnson, Center Administrator for the Florida Community Health Center in Clewiston. “Our communities can always count on U.S. Sugar to step up and provide support when it is needed, and this school year is no exception.”