History of Marjorie's Hope

History

Marjorie's Hope has been helping students in need since 1997. In the earlier years, the donations mainly consisted of crayons, glue sticks, pencils, and other school supplies. However, in 2008, the organization started transitioning to donating backpacks filled with school supplies. The number of backpacks donated each year gradually increased, with the help of volunteers and co-partnerships with organizations like Target Superstore.

In 2012, the first Bunco for Backpacks fundraising event was held, which raised approximately $1,200 and allowed for the donation of 169 backpacks. The event grew in popularity and moved to Seven Springs Golf and Country Club in 2013, where it raised almost $8,000 and donated 446 backpacks. Thanks to partnerships with companies like 3M Corporation and Prismacolor the following years saw even greater success, with the organization exceeding its goal of 5,000 backpack donations filled with school supplies sent to various Pasco County schools in 2023.

Marjorie's Hope has also expanded its programs and initiatives over the years. In 2015 they obtained their nonprofit status and continued to grow their impact. They opened the Kids Closet, established the Marjorie's Hope Scholarship funded by the Kathy Steiniger Memorial Family Foundation, and opened the Pasco County School Employee boutique. They also adopted the Cinderella Project in 2021, and added tuxes, suits, ties, and shoes to the program so no student would be left out.

To generate revenue for their programs, Marjorie's Hope organizes various events like Bunco, Bingo, and Celebrity Waiters. It's truly inspiring to see their dedication and impact with helping students in need within the community.