Last Wednesday, a special delivery made its way from Braden River Middle School - approximately 40 miles south - to Englewood Elementary School in Sarasota County.
Inside the clear, candy corn treat bags were desirable Halloween favorites like Snickers and Skittles. Nearly 650 bags of candy, to be exact.
Staff, students and families from Braden River Middle collected donations for students at the school, which is part of an area hit hard by Hurricane Ian.
"Thank you so much for your generous candy donations, and for encouraging donations from your students," wrote Media Specialist Erin Lamaitis in an email to staff. "Your help made this project a huge success!"
According to Principal Kimberlain Zenon-Richardson, members of student service clubs filled the goody bags. "I'm very proud of all of the leadership clubs coming together for this project," she said.
The Career & Technical Education groups include: Builders Club; Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Future Farmers of America (FFA) and National Junior Honors Society (NJHS).
The delivery also included 120 full-size candy bars for Englewood Elementary staff members.
(Photo: Englewood Elementary School - Facebook)
A sticker on the bags read: Our (hearts) are with you!
"Hopefully this sweet treat will bring a smile to their faces and let them know they're not in this alone," said Ms. Lamaitis.
Braden River Middle School's leadership clubs are also using their talents to raise hurricane relief funds.
They're selling magnets with the message, "Florida Strong."
The magnets are MADE TO ORDER and MUST be picked up at the school, located at 6215 River Club Blvd. in Manatee County.
To buy a magnet, please fill out the order form at this link. Payment is due at the time of pick-up.
Organizers say ALL proceeds will be donated towards hurricane relief.