Lynne Mitchell Foundation Sets $7,000 Goal For Annual Backpack Drive

    MIRAMAR, FL, May 23, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Lynne Mitchell Foundation, a South Florida and entirely volunteer-based non-profit organization, has launched its annual Backpack Drive for the upcoming 2018–2019 school year. The Backpack Drive raises funds that provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies for children at Seaview Primary School in Round Hill, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. The Foundation, led by Marlene Gordon, the Vice President, General Counsel of Bacardi North America, aims to raise $7,000 in school supplies and backpacks for students at Seaview.

"The families of Seaview Primary School are in economic situations that hinder them from affording basic school supplies. This community is affected with widespread poverty, high unemployment and low government funding for public schools," said Marlene Gordon, Founder and President of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation. "Our Backpack Drive is a critical initiative, as it ensures that all Seaview students are supplied with the essential tools to properly function in the classroom and throughout the school year."

The Backpack Drive is in its sixth year and has to-date raised more than $34,000 in backpacks and school supply kits. The Foundation has currently raised more than 50% of their 2018 goal. A donation of $30 will fund a new backpack filled with school supplies including notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, rulers, glue, dictionaries, highlighters and sharpeners. Preschoolers will receive HeadStart Kits, kindergarten through 5th grade will receive Primary Kits, and 6th graders will receive Junior High/High School Kits. There are approximately 170 students enrolled at Seaview Primary School with ages ranging from 4 to 13 years and all of low socio-economic backgrounds.

The mission of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation is "Loving Children… Changing Lives" and the Foundation is making a positive difference through its efforts in the lives of the students, their families and teachers who call Seaview Primary School home.

Each year, Gordon and her team personally deliver much-needed school supplies to Seaview Primary School children. Foundation volunteers spend time with individual students to better understand their personal struggles and to learn how Lynne Mitchell Foundation can help them to overcome them. In addition, the Foundation has a scholarship program for high school students. Since 2013 the Foundation has awarded 15 high school scholarships with a value of over $55,000.

To find out more about the Lynne Mitchell Foundation, including how to donate to the Backpack Drive, visit www.lynnemitchellfoundation.org.

About Lynne Mitchell Foundation
The Lynne Mitchell Foundation was created in 2012 by President Marlene Gordon to honor the memory of her mother, Lynne Mitchell and to continue her legacy of "growing love . . . one act at a time." The foundation focuses on underprivileged children in the rural community on the island of Jamaica where Mitchell was born and raised. The current focus of the foundation is on Seaview Primary school in Southfield, St. Elizabeth. The foundation serves to raise funds for programs including scholarships, transportation, school breakfasts and lunches and building renovations and improvements to benefit the students, families and teachers it serves. For more information about the Lynne Mitchell Foundation and how you can become a Love Activist for the organization, visit www.LynneMitchellFoundation.org.

Lynne Mitchell Foundation, Inc., is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The foundation is also registered with the State of Florida under the Solicitation of Contributions Act - Registration #CH38687. 100% of each contribution is received by Lynne Mitchell Foundation, Inc. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 800-435-7352 within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

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