PHOENIX – Boxes of school supplies are helping students at Maryland School begin the academic year prepared and confident, thanks to the generosity of employees at Abrazo Central Campus, who recently donated back-to-school necessities to support the school's K-8 students.

The annual school supply drive is a longstanding tradition for Abrazo Central employees and reflects their ongoing commitment to strengthening community partnerships and supporting educational success in the neighborhoods they serve.

Maryland School is one of the hospital's valued community partners and employees look forward to contributing to the back-to-school drive each year.

"Every notebook, pencil and classroom supply represents encouragement, opportunity and support for a student," said LaQuelle Huff, an Abrazo Central Campus employee who helped lead the effort and delivered the boxes to students in August. "Giving back is part of who we are, and this initiative reflects the compassion and commitment our employees bring to the community every day,” she said.

The school’s principal, Nick Gupton, expressed appreciation for the continued support his students receive from Abrazo Central Campus.

"These donations create opportunities for learning and development," Gupton said. "We are grateful for Abrazo Central's partnership and ongoing investment in our students' success, and our kids and teachers look forward to this drop-off day each year.”

Abrazo Central employees volunteer to organize the annual school supply drive, collect donations and personally deliver the items to students and school staff each year.

"Supporting students is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve," said Gregory Pearson, CEO, Abrazo Central Campus. "When local students have the resources they need to succeed, our entire community benefits. We are proud to continue our partnership with Maryland School and help empower the next generation of learners and leaders,” he said.

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