It has been rumored that Dede Schaffner is a descendant of Ol' Saint Nick himself! So with only five days until Christmas, we sat down with Dede to get to the bottom of this long standing rumor.
While we figured out that she is not a descendant of either of the Claus', she does have some traits that resemble the giving spirit of Ol' Saint Nick.
Just like Santa, Dede comes bearing gifts in a "red bag", only for a different cause.
In September of 2012, Dede initiated the Red Bag Campaign here in Seminole County, where nonperishable food items are sent home in backpacks with students in need every Friday. This backpack, discrete enough not to cause attention to students, comes equipped with enough food items to ensure our children have a meal to eat over the weekends.
Since inception the program has grown and is now in 58 Seminole County Public Schools, attesting to the need in Seminole and the support received from local churches, business, and civic organizations!
Dede has been a long-time supporter of The Foundation, a school board member and an overall champion of education for decades! And w
hile Dede's term as school board member has ended, she will continue as a board member and major donor of The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools!
If you too, like Santa, want to contribute special items in a Red Bag, contact
Dede Schaffner.
