The $208,160 Donation Will Be Distributed to United Way’s Center for Excellence in Early Education, Early Head Start Programs, and Miami-Dade County Public School Students

Miami, FL (November 2, 2021) – United Way Miami announces it has received a $208,160 donation from Publix to support children and families across Miami-Dade. The donation — which comes as $20 gift cards — will be donated to students and families of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, United Way’s Center for Excellence in Early Education, and Early Head Start programs. Publix’s donation comes at a time when more than 83% of Miami-Dade households have experienced issues related to childcare, education, and housing expenses.

“We are incredibly grateful to Publix for their longstanding partnership and continuous support,” said Norie del Valle, Senior Vice President, Development of United Way Miami. “It’s commitment like theirs that help us improve the lives of so many families in Miami. Their generosity helps us achieve a thriving and equitable community where all people have access to quality education and can lead healthy and financially secure lives.”

For more than 40 years, United Way and Publix have collaborated to better our community. Apart from being United Way’s top leader in fundraising, Publix also donates school supplies every year, which are in turn donated to the Miami-Dade school system. These past two years Publix has shifted its donation to gift cards, including this year’s significant gift of over $200,000, in order to allow families the flexibility to purchase food and other critical household supplies.

“Many students and families in our community are still facing financial hardships that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Alberto M. Carvalho. “These gift cards will allow us to provide them some measure of relief in their everyday lives.”

“Publix recognizes the important role we play together with our associates and customers in supporting our community,” said Jerry Reed, Southern Regional Director, Publix Super Markets Inc. “The spirit of giving back is a value and guiding principle for all we do. We are honored to support United Way and Miami-Dade County Public Schools through our Tools for Schools program donating essential items to children and families needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

Since 1924, United Way Miami has been an innovative force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. The organization focuses on education, financial stability and health – the building blocks for a good life by investing in quality programs, advocating for better policies and engaging people in the community.