This post was created on 08/09/2021.

Land O’ Lakes, FL – (August 9, 2021) – Prominent area leaders will be on hand Monday, August 9, when thousands of shoes and hundreds of backpacks are delivered for distribution to needy children in Pasco County, just in time for the start of the school year.

The donation of scores of shoes and backpacks has been spearheaded by Mike Wells, Pasco County Property Appraiser; Jacques Hakim, an area businessman, philanthropist, and Professor of Finance at St. Petersburg College; Nicholas Kaller, Director of Community Engagement Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and YMCA of the Suncoast.   Joining Hakim for the shoe donation will be FBI Tampa Field Office Representatives, FBI Tampa Citizen’s Academy and Pasco School Superintendent Kurt Browning.

“This truly is a labor of love, and a great team effort to help the children of Pasco County,’’ said Hakim. “I am grateful for all the people who helped make this happen. I hope and pray that other business leaders in our community start engaging and become involved.”

The shoes will be distributed by Pasco school district staff at schools where students will benefit from the donation.

“We’re grateful for this generous donation,” said Superintendent Browning. “It will make a huge difference in the lives of many Pasco children, and it could not have come at a better time.”

DATE/TIME: Monday, August 9, at 11 a.m.

LOCATION: Pasco Schools District Office, at 7227 Land O’Lakes Boulevard, Building 3, (From Land O’Lakes Boulevard ((US 41)) turn on Gator Lane. Building 3 is the first building on your right. Park in the first parking lot on your right and follow the signs to “Shoe Donation Event.”)