Tax Collector Staff Raises $17,233 For School Supplies

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Thanks to the Pasco County Tax Collector's Office, 500 needy students were able to start their first day of school Monday with new backpacks filled with school supplies.

During the month of July, the tax collector’s office accepted donations from the public to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students in need, raising $17,233.

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. Before the start of school, staff members from each office delivered 500 backpacks with school supplies and six checks totaling $5,250 split among the following schools:

· Calusa Elementary School sponsored by the tax collector’s office in the West Pasco Government Center, New Port Richey

· Gulf Trace Elementary sponsored by the tax collector’s office in Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey

· Connerton Elementary sponsored by the tax collector’s office in Land O’ Lakes

· San Antonio Elementary sponsored by the tax collector’s office in Wesley Chapel

· West Zephyrhills Elementary sponsored by the tax collector’s office in Dade City

· Miracles Schools sponsored by the countywide tax collector’s office

“Each year students are expected to purchase an ever-growing list of supplies to bring with them on the first day of school,” said 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 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 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.

During the month of June, the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office raised funds for Lauren’s Kids,a statewide organization that works daily to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. Lauren’s Kids was created in 2007 by State Sen. Lauren Book, herself a victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted caregiver.

The five branch offices of the Pasco County Tax Collectors Office promoted the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate and collected cash donations through the month of June. The value of 52 specialty tags sold and cash donations collected totaled $8,468.04.

“I can’t thank (former) Sen. Mike Fasano and his staff enough for the continued support and involvement in raising awareness and funds,” said Book. “This dedication truly makes the difference. Your team went above and beyond to raise awareness on this dark issue throughout your county.”

“Senator Lauren Book and her team have dedicated themselves to addressing one of the most heinous of crimes — childhood sexual abuse,” said Fasano. “It was an honor for our staff to work with the community to raise funds for the good work this organization does each and every day."

Back-to-school photos:

At Calusa Elementary are, from left, Vice Principal Christine Ramirez, Crystal Moore, Kathy Collins, Sage Mendoza, Principal Michelle Hartman, Ashleigh Strumil and Angelo Williams.

At Gulf Trace Elementary are, from left, Anna Kostadinov, Billy Villalava, Billy Poulos, Tyler Albritton, Janice Reda, Mara Swisher, Principal Dawn Scilex, Assistant Principal Denise Ballard and Greg Giordano.

At Connerton Elementary are, from left, Sheyenne Farah, Samantha Bisconti, Susan Parker, Tammy Dziedzic, Principal Kelly Edwards and counselor Adrian Zwijacz.

At San Antonio Elementary are, from left, Helen Valentin, Debra Miller, Rachelle Gearhart, Assistant Principal Janette Allison, Principal Kim Anderson and Amy Polk.

At West Zephyrhills Elementary are Principal Scott Atkins, Liz Riley, Assistant Peggy Gilbert, Linda McNally and Wendi Wininger.

At Miracles School are students, Administrator Christine Fitzpatrick and Greg Giordano.

Lauren's Kids photo:

From left are Tim Couet, assistant tax collector; Becky Bennett of Pasco Kids First (representing Lauren’s Kids); Dwayne Richards, road tester; Jody Grove, director of information technology; Sharlo Ward, customer service supervisor; Gia Stone, customer service representative; Tammy Dziedzic, office manager; Alicia Albanese, training manager; Samantha Bisconti, consumer advocate; and Tax Collector Mike Fasano.