TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation has been supporting students, staff and schools in need following damage left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Hundreds of employees with Hillsborough County Public Schools have been confirmed as displaced due to flooding. And upwards of 20 schools experienced flooding while others suffered storm-related damage.
“When we witnessed the heartbreaking impact these storms had on our students, teachers and schools here in Hillsborough County, we knew we couldn’t stand by,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “The devastation demanded immediate action – not just to restore what was lost but to offer hope, stability and a sense of community during an incredibly challenging time.”
The Hillsborough Education Foundation established a hurricane relief fund, collaborating with donors and community partners to raise over $1.2 million to date. The funds are being directed to meet critical needs across impacted schools and for employees who have suffered significant personal losses.
Here are some ways the Hillsborough Education Foundation is supporting students, staff and schools:
- The foundation has already distributed nearly 500 Backpack Kits filled with core school supplies to students, with another 500 kits set to be distributed in the coming weeks. Requests for these kits are submitted by school administrators or social workers, with kits compiled by foundation staff and volunteers.
- The foundation is using the hurricane relief fund to aid staff who have lost their homes, experienced significant damage or flooding, or lost primary vehicles. Financial support will assist with temporary housing, repairs, deductibles and the replacement of personal items. The foundation has received over 700 applications for financial assistance to date.
- The foundation has replaced nearly $30,000 worth of elementary classroom rugs across 10 schools and provided $50,000 in essential school supplies, including whiteboard markers, copy paper and bulletin boards. Additional supplies continue to be distributed through the Teaching Tools Resource Center, a free store for teachers to get school supplies and classroom materials.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Hillsborough Education Foundation for stepping up to support our students, teachers and schools after Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” Superintendent Van Ayres said. “Their generosity and quick action made a real difference during a tough time, helping us get back on track and focus on what matters most – our students’ education.”
The foundation’s relief efforts have been made possible through the support of key donors, including the Lightning Foundation, Jarcarlene Foundation, Helios Education Foundation, Florida Disaster Fund/Volunteer Florida, Suncoast Credit Union, Spurlino Foundation, Generate, RaceTrac, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Rays, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and individual donors.
“Our mission has always been to ensure that students and teachers in Hillsborough County have the resources they need to thrive, and the damage caused by these hurricanes has only deepened our commitment,” Corman said. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and partners – whether through financial contributions, donated supplies or volunteer time – we’ve been able to provide immediate relief and resources to help students, teachers, and schools begin the process of rebuilding and moving forward.”
