An alliance of businesses and community groups gave about 12,280 fewer volunteer hours and $36,615 less in products to Lawrence public schools in 2003-2004 than it did the previous school year.

Sarah Martin, director of Lawrence Education Achievement Partners, attributed the decrease from 2002-2003 to three elementary schools’ closing, a fund-raising event in 2002-2003 that wasn’t held the next year and a few businesses and organizations’ budget cuts.

The alliance, a joint project of the school district and Chamber of Commerce, partners Lawrence public schools with businesses and organizations. Each school has at least two businesses or organizations working on its behalf. All told, 110 businesses and organizations work with a specific school or the district.

During the 2003-2004 school year, according to its annual report, the alliance gave schools more than $88,700, more than $190,000 in products and more than 21,000 volunteer hours.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Lawrence students,” said Ginger Wehner, who was chairwoman of LEAP’s board of directors last year. “We look forward to another decade of successful partnerships.”

Schools use the donations for things such as student planners, class projects and college scholarships, Martin said.

Examples of products donated were cookies to reward elementary students and a teachers’ luncheon, Martin said.

Businesses and organizations have given more than $5 million in money, products and volunteer hours since the program began more than 10 years ago.