BACKPACK CHALLENGE

"Backpacks containing esseential school supplies give children the tools they need to start school with enthusiasm and confidence - and to succeed throughout the year," said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder and Chairperson Linda Sherrer.


Thank you for your interest in the 23rd Annual Backpack Challenge! Last year, we raised more than $15,000 and donated 547 backpacks filled with school supplies for Northeast Florida children during our 22nd Annual Backpack Challenge. This year, we are collecting new backpacks and supplies for students in kindergarten through high school at all Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices from June 15, until August 1, 2022. We are also collecting cash and check donations to purchase backpacks and supplies, which will be provided to local charities that serve Northeast Florida children.

"Our Backpack Challenge is one of the ways our company assists children and families in our community. we encourage everyone to join us and support this worth cause," said Linda Sherrer

Below is a list of our offices, the benefiting organization, and their back to school wish list. You can purchase items from their Amazon Wish List or purchase at the store and drop-off supplies at the appropriate office.


Metro Offices of Avondale/Ortega – San Marco/San Jose
Benefiting Organization: Grace United Methodist Church

A historic church in Lawtey, Florida with a traditional worship service, in untraditional ways. The church supports the community with a free clothes closet and Feed My Sheep program to help feed children on the weekends. Loving God and Loving our Neighbors.


Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside Office
Benefiting Organization: Neptune Beach Elementary


Fleming Island/Orange Park
Benefiting Organization: Doctors Inlet Elementary


Mandarin/Saint Johns
Benefiting Organization: HUGS St. Johns
Their mission at HUGS St. Johns is to:

• Raise awareness throughout the county about student povert right here in our own community.
• Work closely with school counselors and the student services staff to identify needs.
• Raise funds and provide assistance to students in crisis situations.
• Organize St. Johns County neighbors to work together to provide assistance to our youngest residents.
• Provide classroom volunteers and mentors to Title 1 schools that serve more than 80 percent of students on free and reduced meal programs.

Ponte Vedra/Nocatee
Benefiting Organization: HUGS St. Johns
Their mission at HUGS St. Johns is to:

• Raise awareness throughout the County about student poverty right here in our own community.
• Work closely with school counselors and the student services staff to identify needs.
• Raise funds and provide assistance to students in crisis situations.
• Organize St. Johns County neighbors to work together to provide assistance to our youngest residents.
• Provide classroom volunteers and mentors to Title 1 schools that serve more than 80 percent of students on free and reduced meal programs.

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/23LETL17ZSLSZ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2


St. Augustine/World Golf Village
Benefiting Organizations: Crookshank Elementary, Southwoods Elementary, and Osceola Elementary

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XNS69LNF1WE1?ref_=wl_share


Home Office / Corporate Office
Benefiting Organization: Dreams Come True of Jacksonville

Dreams Come True is the First Coast’s only locally-based organization dedicated to granting the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. They are not affiliated with any national wish-granting charity and 100% of all donations go toward fulfilling dreams, unless otherwise directed by the donor. Since 1984, Dreams Come True has fulfilled the dreams of more than 4,300 children in North Florida and South Georgia. Help Dreams Come True provide school supplies for approximately 200 northeast Florida children and their families. Supplies will be provided directly to families and help them get off to a great start for the upcoming school year.

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/H6O4M9GMZOAX