Q: If it takes a village to raise a child, what does it take to help countless children in 41 local schools? 🏫 A: An entire community.
ICYMI, the Reopen Lakeland Task Force launched an “Adopt a School” program in an effort to better protect local children, staff, and faculty from COVID-19.

Graphic via the City of Lakeland
The objective behind the project? To seek community support in raising funds + collecting healthcare supplies for local public school use. The Task Force is planning to raise $5,000 per school, with additional funding for larger schools such as highschools.
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Financial donation: Companies and organizations can become “full partners” + donate $5,000 to a specific school. Individuals can also donate any amount – funds will be used to purchase items in bulk. FYI, donations are tax-deductible.
- Buying supplies: Purchase disposable masks, hand sanitizers, Kleenex tissues, disinfectant wipes, gloves, contactless thermometers, antibacterial soap, Plexiglas barriers, and computer wipes. Note: Items must be in their original packaging.
- Dropping off supplies: Goods can be dropped off at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce (35 Lake Morton Dr.).
If a school reaches its cap of $5,000, funds will be distributed into a general fund. Four schools have already been “adopted” in whole – meaning 37 schools are still in need.
Quoteworthy: “If it takes a village to raise a child, then we need to get engaged to make a difference now. Not everyone can do a lot, but a lot of us can do a little.” – Chrissanne Long, CEO at Maximize Digital Media, Founder at Bridge Local
Share this with someone you know who needs no schooling in a lesson on philanthropy.