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Port Richey CAC proposes Port Richey–resident backpack drive; committee will consider partnering with church program
Summary
The committee discussed a city-sponsored back-to-school backpack and school-supplies drive limited to Port Richey City residents, possible collaboration with a church distribution run by Danny Fields, and alternative options such as teacher-supply donations. Staff and members will follow up and consider timing before the August school start date.
Secretary Caroline Gonzales told the Citizens Advisory Committee June 5 that she wanted to organize a Port Richey City–only back-to-school backpack and school-supply drive with collection from July 1 through July 31 and a distribution timed before schools open. "I was thinking to have, like, a back to school drive, the city of Port Richey, like, sponsored by the CAC… start collecting from July 1 through July 31," Gonzales said.
Members discussed limiting the distribution to city residents, requiring sign-ups and possibly giving the first families in line backpacks if supply is low. Gonzales proposed coordinating with local businesses for drop-off boxes and noted a local volunteer, Debbie Robinson, offered warehouse space. Committee members also discussed partnering with an existing program run by chaplain Danny Fields, who already organizes a larger back-to-school distribution in Port Richey Park. Some members raised concern about separation of church and state and asked staff to check whether a formal partnership or supplemental support would be appropriate.
Alternatives discussed included shifting focus to teacher-supply support rather than distributing only backpacks, and staging the distribution at City Hall or partnering schools. Members noted timing constraints: the city's August CAC meeting is scheduled for Aug. 7 and the first day of school was referenced as Aug. 11, so the July collection window would be tight. Committee members agreed to pursue outreach to local businesses, contact Danny Fields to explore collaboration, and report progress to the committee (including potential sponsors and logistics) at the next meeting or a specially called meeting if needed.
No formal motion was taken; members asked staff and volunteers to follow up and return with a plan and lists of needed supplies and partners.
