United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties Presents $47,000 to Support Literacy Across Putnam County Schools
PALATKA, FL – At the October 21st Putnam County School District Board meeting, United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties, President and CEO Carl Cricco, presented a check for $47,000 to support literacy initiatives throughout Putnam County.
The funding—made possible through a three-year grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund—represents the second year of support for literacy initiatives in Putnam County. This investment will help expand access to books, enhance classroom reading resources, and provide additional support for literacy-focused programs that empower local students to succeed.
“We are deeply grateful for the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund and their continued investment in our community’s future,” said Cricco. “Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and opportunity. Through this partnership with the Putnam County School District, we are helping ensure that every child has the tools they need to thrive—both in school and beyond.”
“I want to thank the United Way for their gracious gift to the school district to help with our literacy programs. Many of our students will benefit from their generosity,” said Rick Surrency, Ed.D., Superintendent of Putnam County School District.
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties continues to focus on improving educational opportunity, financial stability, community resiliency, and healthy living throughout the region. Investments like this one align with the organization’s mission to unite people and resources to improve lives and strengthen the community.
To learn more about this grant and other United Way initiatives, visit www.unitedway-sjc.org or follow @unitedwaysjc on social media.
Photo Caption:
Pictured from left to right: Benjie Bates (Board Member, United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties), Meghan Durden (Director of Philanthropy, United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties), Dr. Richard M. Surrency Sr. (Superintendent, Putnam County School District), Carl Cricco (President & CEO, United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties), Lara Shettel (District Reading Coach, Putnam County School District), Patty Isola (Director of Community Impact, United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties), Laura France (Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, Putnam County School District), Phil Leary (Board Chair, Putnam County School District).
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About United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Serving both St. Johns and Putnam Counties, the organization focuses on four key areas: community resiliency, educational opportunity, financial security, and health. Through strategic partnerships and community support, United Way ensures that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
About the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund:
The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was created by Delores Barr Weaver in 2015 as the natural evolution of the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, which has awarded more than $86 million in grants since she created it in 2012. She also provides separate, annual support to 20 local, non-profit organizations for their annual fundraising events through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund. Like the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund’s purpose is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that do work she has supported over many years and to encourage others to do so as well. Mrs. Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, and she has provided transformative support to dozens of nonprofit organizations that uplift, enlighten and advance our community.