STUART — Thanks to the partnership-building efforts of the Education Foundation of Martin County and the generosity of Costco, approximately 750 students will head into the 2026-27 school year with a new backpack in hand.
On Thursday morning, Stuart Costco Administrative Manager Mike Fabis and Membership Manager Ray Perry arrived at Pinewood Elementary School with pickup trucks loaded with hundreds of backpacks. The donation marked the second consecutive year Costco has provided backpacks for local students, but this year’s contribution was significantly larger.
“We received backpacks last year, but this year we had almost 400 coming in, which is incredible,” said Pinewood Elementary Principal Amy Porter. “Our kids were so excited when they got them last year, so I can’t wait to see their faces this year.”
The deliveries continued across Stuart, where Fabis and Perry unloaded another truckload of backpacks at Murray Middle School, ensuring hundreds more students will be prepared for the first day of classes.
“Anytime we have an opportunity to help our families, making sure that they have access to new resources for back to school to relieve that financial burden is always so appreciated,” said Murray Middle School Principal Tiffany Roth.
In addition to the backpacks, Costco donated a $500 gift card to each school to help meet additional student needs.
School leaders say the donation is an example of the Education Foundation of Martin County’s unique role in connecting community partners with schools to provide meaningful support for students and families.
“The Education Foundation of Martin County is really the powerhouse of our school district and our schools,” Roth said. “They really act as a liaison, helping to connect us with all of our community partners.”
Porter echoed that sentiment.
“We want to thank Costco and the Education Foundation, who does so much for our students,” she said.
The Foundation coordinated the partnership between Costco and both schools, helping transform a corporate donation into direct assistance for local families. By fostering relationships with businesses and community organizations, the Education Foundation continues to expand opportunities that benefit students throughout Martin County.
When students arrive at Pinewood Elementary and Murray Middle School next month, they will be able to choose from patterned, solid-color, or clear backpacks. For many families facing the rising costs of back-to-school shopping, the new backpacks represent more than just school supplies—they provide financial relief and help ensure every child begins the school year with confidence.
For the Education Foundation of Martin County, the backpack giveaway reflects its broader mission: bringing together community partners and schools to remove barriers to learning and create opportunities for every student to succeed.
For information about the Education Foundation of Martin County, please visit the website, www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at (772) 600-8062.