The Volusia County School Board honored Gloria Max, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties, June 12 for her “generous donations and continued commitment” to local schools.
At the School Board meeting, school officials thanked Max and the Jewish Federation for providing thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies each year to economically disadvantaged children. The Federation has given more than 105,000 backpacks to local schoolchildren, regardless of race or religion, during the past 22 years.
School Board member Carl Persis joked that people cannot say no to Max when she calls asking for help for the Federation’s school backpack project or Jerry Doliner Food Bank. Max replied by asking for donations at the meeting. She has received a $40,000 matching grant for this year’s backpack project for May, June and July and still must raise $6,000 by the end of July, or she won't get the matching grant. She did get funds in April but not enough to match the grant of $40,000 which was for May, June and July only, she said.
All donations go directly to buy backpacks because the Jewish Federation pays all administrative expenses, Federation President Marvin Miller told school board members.
To make a tax-deductible donation, send checks to: School Supply Kits, c/o The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties, 470 Andalusia Ave., Ormond Beach, FL 32174, or call 386-672-0294 for information.