PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Employees of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) Test and Evaluation Prototype Fabrication Division recently collaborated to collect and provide backpacks and school supplies for children in need within Bay District Schools.
The division collected items to provide backpacks, pencils, crayons, and more to less-fortunate school children.
“It all started with the call for supplies from the school system. We decided we would give back to the community and we came up with the backpacks and supplies,” said Paula Oliver, division administrative assistant at NSWC PCD.
For the past four years, the division has collected items for disadvantaged students with this year being the most successful so far. Last year, the team donated roughly 12 backpacks to Beach Elementary. The goal for this year was 28 backpacks, however, the goal was surpassed considerably with a total of 44.
The four elementary schools (Beach, Breakfast Point, Patronis, and West Bay) will each receive 10 backpacks and supplies.
The group worked rapidly to collect and distribute the supplies to meet the beginning of the school year deadline. They are extremely proud of the accomplishment and look forward to helping children again next year.
“We constantly do these types of charitable contributions and the hope is that next year this will expand,” said Nicole Waters, engineer at NSWC PCD.
The division believes in giving back to the public by ensuring students have the necessary resources. NSWC PCD Scientist Dr. Ben Schlorholtz said, “We are very fortunate to have good jobs working for the Navy and we want to contribute to the community.”
Through the efforts of the collection team, the needs of many children will be met with the donations.
“When you bring the items to the schools it is so good to see how appreciative they are,” said Oliver.