Lakeland Chamber Of Commerce Launches Adopt A School Program

LAKELAND, FL — Community support will help provide 41 Lakeland areas schools with coronavirus safety supplies, the City of Lakeland said in a news release.

The Reopen Lakeland Task Force and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Love Lakeland, a 501(c)3 organization, to help with the initiative, Adopt A School program, launched through its partnership.

Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd identified the top health-related needs for students and school personnel: disposable masks, hand sanitizers, Kleenex tissues, disinfectant wipes, gloves, contactless thermometers, antibacterial soap, Plexiglas barriers and computer wipes.

"This program provides the opportunity to support Lakeland’s students with their most critical needs during this tightly-constrained budget period," said Mayor Bill Mutz. "This is a perfect way for businesses or individuals who have a passion for education and a heart for students to make a difference in our school communities.”

The goal is for every school In Lakeland to raise at least $5,000 through the program, facilitator Craig Collins said.

In addition to financial contributions, other ways to assist the initiative include the direct purchase of supplies or assisting in dropping off supplies.

On Monday, officials with Polk County Public Schools reported 109 coronavirus cases within the schools on the district's website.

For more information about contributing to the schools, visit Love Lakeland.