Contact:  Candy Bowen                                                                                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
904-548-4664                                                                                                     Aug. 9, 2019
cbowen@nassauclerk.com

CLERK OF COURT EMPLOYEES DONATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR AT-RISK KIDS

YULEE, FL – Aug. 9, 2019 – Last week, employees at the Nassau County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller donated a carload of notebooks, pencils, paper, and toiletries to children in transitional housing, just in time for school.

After learning of the Families In Transition’s (FIT) need, Court Clerk John A. Crawford and employees at the courthouse decided to hold a back-to-school drive to help the 500+ children in the area who face economic challenges.

According to the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, there are more than 70,000 homeless school-age children in Florida. FIT, working through Nassau County Schools, partners with parents, teachers, and the community to offer services children need for educational success. Through the FIT program, families who sometimes live with relatives, at a campground, or even on the streets, can obtain supplies and clothing.

“Parents can be in ‘survival mode.’ Academic help is often neglected because caregivers are trying to make ends meet,” said Angie McClellan, FIT Homeless Liaison. “Having new school supplies can help children academically, psychologically, and socially.”

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The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court as a public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds. Clerk John A. Crawford is directly elected by and accountable to the Nassau County residents. In addition to the roles of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Recorder, and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk is the Chief Financial Officer and Auditor for Nassau County.