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 over $17,233 to support this effort. The majority of the funds were used to purchase back-to-school supplies and backpacks. A smaller portion of the donations collected were used to support the ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program, which helps classroom teachers purchase the supplies and other items needed to help meet the needs of their students.
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. Right before the start of school staff members from each office delivered a total of 500 backpacks with school supplies and six checks totaling $5,250 split among the following schools (donating office in italics):
• Calusa Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in West Pasco Government Center, New Port Richey
• Gulf Trace Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey
• Connerton Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Land O’ Lakes
• San Antonio Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Wesley Chapel
• West Zephyrhills Elementary – Tax Collector’s Office in Dade City
• Miracles Schools – Tax Collector’s Office Countywide
“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 backpacks full of supplies, as well as checks to six schools in Pasco County. 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 third 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 County Tax Collector’s Office please visit www.pascotaxes.com or call Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector at 727-847-8179.
###