The mission of the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Foundation is to support each and every student by partnering with local and national organizations to provide impactful resources to families, students, and staff throughout the district. Whether it's scholarships, grants, and/or generous in-kind donations, our district benefits in meaningful ways.

     One of the Foundation’s most dedicated partners is The Empty Stocking Fund (ESF), located in downtown Atlanta. ESF supplies essential materials to teachers and students, highlighting needs in Title I schools. “Thanks to ESF, teachers are supported with classroom supplies for students whose families may be struggling financially,” says Aaron Lupuloff, executive director of development for the GCPS Foundation. ESF’s support extends beyond basic supplies; this winter, they will replenish resources and distribute unique items like Bubba and Contigo reusable water bottles, Pre-K educational tools (modeling clay, manipulatives, etc.), and problem-solving books for gifted elementary students.

     The Foundation’s impact is further amplified by national partners like Inspired Consumer, a marketing agency that has contributed over a million dollars in in-kind donations of national brands. Their contributions include Bush’s high-protein vegetarian baked beans, Sargento string cheese, Oxi-Clean stain treatment spray, car air fresheners, and personal hygiene products, which help meet various needs across the district. “We constantly redistribute these resources to assist our students, support families and school-based food pantries, and supply our bus drivers and school staff members with useful items. The items are truly amazing and the donation list really grows monthly,” Lupuloff adds.

     An example of this effort is found at Lanier High School, which received a donation of Papa John’s pizza gift cards for student-athletes in the football program. This ensures that players have access to a meal option before and after practices and games. “Our school and football program serve a diverse community, including many families who struggle to provide consistent and nutritious meals,” says Lanier High Football Head Coach Tyler Maloof. “To address this, we collaborate with local sponsors to help provide our team with meals that nourish them and support our community and our mission to ensure our student-athletes have everything they need to be successful.”

     The GCPS Foundation often collaborates with local initiatives such as Hope Thru Soap, in coordination with Sugar Hill Church and other local partners. School supplies, clothing, and food items are distributed to students and families in different cluster communities.

     Through collaboration with local and national partnerships, the GCPS Foundation supports GCPS learning communities to meet essential needs and support each and every student’s academic success. To learn more about the Foundation’s programs and scholarships, please visit https://www.gcps-foundation.org.