During the month of July the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office accepted donations from the public to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students in need. Due to the hard work of staff and the generosity of a giving community, Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office was able to raise $20, 395.65. The majority of the funds were used to purchase back-to-school supplies. A smaller portion of the donations collected were used to assist in the purchasing of classroom supplies for teachers. Each school received 75 completely filled backpacks and a check for $1,750.00 for teachers to purchase classroom supplies.
The Pasco Tax Collector’s Office has five branches in the county. Each office chose one school close to that office with a large percentage of children in need. During the first week of this month staff members from each office delivered the backpacks and school supplies to the following schools:
• Hudson Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in West Pasco Government Center,
New Port Richey
• Richey Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey
• Pine View Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Land O’ Lakes
• Chester Taylor Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Wesley Chapel
• Rodney Cox Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Dade City
“Each year students are expected to purchase an ever growing list of supplies to bring with them on the first day of school,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Gone are the days when a notebook, a pencil and some book covers, often made out of old shopping bags, were what most kids needed. For families struggling to make ends meet the ‘back-to-school’ supply list can be a great burden. Our staff was honored to deliver 75 completely full backpacks to each of the five schools identified, for a total of 375 backpacks. Each school will determine which students can most benefit from the donated items. Additionally, a check for $1,750.00 was delivered to each school so that teachers can purchase the supplies they need for their classrooms. It is our hope that through the efforts of our hardworking staff and a very generous community that the burden of supplies will be lighter for as many families and students as possible.”
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office supports local charitable organizations that assist residents of Pasco County throughout the entire year. This is the second year the office has held its own charitable promotion for the sole purpose of assisting students who live and go to school near each office. For more information about the charitable giving programs and other services at the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office please visit www.pascotaxes.com or call Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector at 727-847-8179.