The Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida is helping to support 300 Lee County students in need thanks to the generous support and donation made by the Boston Red Sox Foundation, said Leonardo Garcia, co-founder of the Multicultural Centre. Katie Haas, director of Florida business operations for the Red Sox, presented Garcia with a check for $3,000 to “adopt” 300 students in need and provide them each with new backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year.

“After meeting with event organizers for the 2010 Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida’s Big Backpack Event, and learning the true need of school students in Lee County, the Red Sox Foundation is pleased to help support the efforts of the organization to provide new backpacks and school supplies that allow all students an opportunity to go back to school with confidence and pride,” Haas said.

These 300 students received free backpacks, school supplies, and other giveaways at the 11th Annual Big Backpack Event that was held at Harborside in Fort Myers in August, thanks to the support of the Red Sox Foundation. In all, almost 2,200 students in need received support at this year’s event, including free hair cuts and eye exams for back-to-school.

The Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit 501c3, which celebrates diversity in the community and supports students and families in need.

Through the organization’s Adopt-A-Student Program and Brunch For Backpacks, every $10 donation adopts a student in need and provides them with a new backpack and school supplies. Some 100 percent of all proceeds benefits students in need. For more information or to make a tax deductible donation contact them at 239.561.7345.