Local Caregivers Honored for their Dedication to Children in Care

June 11, 2025

Port St. Lucie - Ready, set… shop! Communities Connected for Kids is kicking off summer with a pencil-sharp mission: making sure every child in foster care heads back to school with the tools they need to succeed—and a big smile on their face.

From June 1 through July 21, we’re running our online Back-to-School Drive, and it couldn’t be easier to help. For about $30, you can purchase a backpack stuffed to the zippers with school supplies, and it will be delivered straight to us for assembly and distribution. No crowds, no traffic, no trying to remember which aisle the glue sticks are in—just a few clicks and you’re a hero.

We’re also proud to once again partner with our longtime friends at the United Way of St. Lucie County, who have included us in their community school supply drive for more than 20 years. That means any donation to the United Way’s school supply campaign also supports local children in foster care. Double win!

“Back to school is an exciting time for most kids,” said Christina Kaiser, CCKids community relations director. “But for those in foster care, it can be a reminder of everything they’ve lost. A new backpack, filled with fresh supplies, sends a powerful message: You matter. We believe in you. We’re rooting for your future.”

So whether you're team purple pencil case or neon highlighter squad, every donation counts—and every backpack brings a little more joy, stability and confidence to a child who truly needs it.

How to Help:

• Visit cckids.net to purchase a pre-filled backpack.
• Donate school supplies directly to the United Way of St. Lucie County.
• Spread the word on social media using #BacktoSchool and tag us @cconnectedforkids!

Let’s send these kids back to school with more than notebooks—we’re packing them with hope. Click here to get started.