Coke Florida Donates $100,000 in Technology to Local Organizations and Schools

Hundreds of students benefit from additional access to technology

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of our commitment to unlocking the potential of those who live in the communities we serve, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) is celebrating Black History Month 2021 by donating $100,000 in technology to dozens of local nonprofit organizations and schools that provide services and resources to students across the state of Florida.

The new equipment will help fill the technology gap that exists in many urban and rural communities, a gap that has widened as more and more of the learning environment has become virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"At Coke Florida we recognize that access to resources is critical to achieving full academic potential. As one of America’s largest black-owned businesses, we feel it fitting to commemorate Black History Month by underscoring our commitment to education within the communities where we live, work and play," said Percy Wells, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Government Relations and Communications.

As a family-owned independent Coca-Cola bottler, Coke Florida is focused on three community pillars: sustainability, economic empowerment, and education. Since it was founded in 2015, Coke Florida has partnered with numerous organizations supporting volunteer work, community initiatives and providing cash and in-kind donations.

Coke Florida has identified more than twenty-five recipient organizations for its 2021 program including Boys and Girls Clubs, schools, non-profit organizations, and Urban League affiliates. "We at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay are so thankful for our continued partnership with Coke Florida," said Terry Carter, President & CEO. "Their commitment to provide technology for our kids and our Clubs is absolutely vital if we are to bridge the learning gap, in these days where the importance of e-learning can't be overstated. We're grateful that this donation is helping us to remain the most essential services provider to youth in Tampa Bay." A complete list of the recipient organizations is available at www.cocacolaflorida.com/BlackHistoryMonth.

Coke Florida will deliver the laptops during the month of February following CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all involved.

About Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) is a family-owned, independent Coca-Cola bottler. Coke Florida’s exclusive territory covers over 20 million consumers across 47 Florida counties, and includes the major metropolitan markets of Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Coke Florida manufactures, sells, and distributes over 600 products of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies. Coke Florida is the third largest privately held Coca-Cola bottler and the sixth largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola products in the United States. The company is also one of America’s largest black-owned businesses. Coke Florida was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, please visit cocacolaflorida.com.