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Sarasota News Leader November 9, 2012 plies — including such basic items as paper, pencils and backpacks — to students in need at the start of the school year. Altogether, 1,489 backpacks and other much-needed gear were donated, with a total value approaching $150,000. Among the groups recognized were Abundant Life Church; APAC Construction; Banana Re- public; Sarasota Rotary; Christ United Church; Church of the Palms; Church of the Trinity; Costco; Florida Department of Revenue; Is- lamic Society of Sarasota Bradenton; Publix; Sarasota Architectural Salvage; Siesta Key Chapel; St. Mark's, St Patrick's and Saint Paul churches; the Venice Moose Lodge; Walmart and the Sarasota Family YMCA. One individual singled out for praise was Pine View School 10th-grader James Niffenegger. "It all started when I was helping with the school supplies sale at Pine View," he said, "and I asked what they would do with the ex- tra supplies. [The materials] couldn't be given Page 53 away, so I decided to do [something] on my own." "The principal and teachers at Alta Vista [El- ementary School] were really thankful. It felt really good," he added. James told the School Board he wants to do- nate supplies again next year. Anyone who would like to help or contribute may reach him at James.Niffenegger@aol.com. School Board member Shirley Brown added that people also may contribute to his or other causes through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. "It's a tax-exempt organization, and you can specify for your donation to go to James' proj- ect if you want," Brown said. "This should be a source of tremendous pride to all who donated and to the entire commu- nity," said Zucker. Individuals and representatives of local organizations receive thanks from the School Board during the Nov. 6 meeting. Photo by Scott Proffitt