Feature Story & Photos By: Larry H. Oskin
Charity Across South Lake (CASL) is bringing the Lake County community together to bring complimentary backpacks full of fall school supplies to students later this month. CASL President Michelle Michnoff notes, “Our goal is to give at least 2,500 backpacks, each filled with $100 worth of valuable school supplies to needy children across the South Lake Community. This program will provide assistance to families with the much-needed school supplies including notebooks, paper, crayons, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, scissors and much more. This is a collaborative community project reaching across Clermont, Minneola, Montverde, Groveland and Mascotte.”
The Kiwanis of Clermont and Kiwanis of South Lake Foundation each donated $2,000 to help support this community effort. In a special presentation ceremony, Kalena Meyers, Joan Kyle, Jessica Whitehouse, Chuck Seaver, Thom Battisto, Kassier Kyler-Murry and Mayor Tim Murry shared a check from Kiwanis of Clermont. Regina Cruz-Morales, Ann Whitlock, Renee Lowe and Sandra Vela shared a matching check from South Lake Kiwanis.
Charity Across South Lake is a sponsor of the annual Fall 2021 South Lake Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) Teacher Appreciation Breakfast. Instead of hosting one large event, this year the SLCC will be hosting a virtual event that will reach all 1,800 south Lake teachers. When dropping off the backpacks, CASL will be sharing a $500 check to help pay for the celebratory Teacher Appreciation Breakfast/Lunch to kick off the new school year.
Renee Lowe is the vice president of Charity Across South Lake and the Back-to-School Supply Drive organizer. The Back-to-School Supply Committee is supported with help from CASL President Michelle Michnoff, Seacoast Bank; Clermont Mayor Tim Murry; Groveland Mayor Evelyn Wilson; Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway; Glenn Holcomb, IT Director; Denise Kalman-Smith, Treasurer; Jessica Whitehouse, Secretary; and CASL Board members Sandra Vela and Kalena Meyers.
Office Depot-Clermont has graciously stepped forward to help purchase the entire set of school supplies and backpacks at wholesale cost. A backpack stuffing party will be held soon to get each backpack ready with an array of valuable school supplies. Every South Lake School will receive at least 100 backpacks when visited by CASL representatives. No family or child needs to apply for a free school supply backpack. Guidance Counselors, Administrators and teachers will help each school identify the families and children needing the most help.
Charity Across South Lake is always looking for businesses, families and organizations to help sponsor a series of backpacks. They are hoping that more people will sponsor at least one backpack with a $20 donation. Cash donations can be made at Seacoast Bank and Texas Roadhouse under the newly established Charity Across South Lake Fund. Donations can also be made via Fabulous Flockers at: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousFlockersClermont.
Renee Lowe was recently honored as Citizen of the Year. Police Chief Charles Broadway honored Renee Lowe as Clermont Police Department Citizen of the Year at a recent Clermont City Council Meeting. Lowe co-founded a holiday program called Christmas Around South Lake. Because of her selfless volunteer efforts and a true commitment to helping others, many needy South Lake area families and children receive Christmas gifts. She helped establish the We are Listening Campaign to focus on suicide prevention and sharing kindness and resources with those in emotional crisis. She has been instrumental in raising funds for the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. Besides being an active member of Kiwanis of South Lake, she recently received the Hometown Hero Award for her contributions to the community which was presented by the United Way of Lake and Sumter County.
Her husband Lloyd notes, “Our family is so proud of Renee and the Charity Across South Lake team of volunteers. What makes this work so special to me is the fact that they have been able to coordinate so many local businesses and individuals to work together and achieve these amazing results!” Dr. Roe adds, “Through the hard work and dedication of Renee Lowe, the citizen of the year, Roe Family Chiropractic is honored to support and participate with the Charity Across South Lake to give back to our wonderful community.”
Information on donating, sponsoring, and locations to drop off school supplies can be found by visiting www.AcrossSouthLake.org.
You can download the QR Code to make it simple to participate and make your donation.
Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CharityAcrossSouthLake.
