OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and organizations across North Central Florida are stepping up to help students head back to class prepared and confident. From backpack giveaways and school supply drives to free haircuts, health screenings and family fun days, communities throughout Marion, Alachua, Levy, Putnam and Sumter counties are offering events designed to ease the transition back to school.
Back to School Community Closet
Honored: Mothers & Daughters of Destiny will host its fifth annual Back to School Community Closet, providing free clothing, school supplies and toiletries to families preparing for the new school year. The event aims to ensure local students begin the school year with confidence while creating a welcoming environment for families in need. A donation collection day will also be held one week before the event for community members wishing to contribute gently used clothing and shoes.
The Community Closet Donation Day will be Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the Community Closet event on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Destiny Community Church, 20820 W. Newberry Rd. in Newberry. Admission is free and open to everyone. For more information, you can reach out by phone at 352-258-4003 or via email.
Back to School Community Giveback
One of Marion County’s largest annual back-to-school events returns for its eighth year, serving thousands of students across seven pickup locations. Families can receive backpacks, school supplies and educational resources, while select locations will also offer sports physicals, vaccinations, EKG screenings, bike helmets, food and family activities. Organizers expect to serve approximately 6,000 students this year.
The event will take place Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The College of Central Florida Klein Center, Heart of Florida Health Center, West Port High School, Lake Weir High School, Belleview High School, The Horizon Academy of Marion County. Registration is open now and is required for most locations. The Marion County Children’s Alliance drive-thru site does not require registration, but students must present in the vehicle. For more information, contact 352-622-5020 or reach out via email. The full list of services at each location are available online.
Back to School Supplies Pop-Up Giveaway
Families can reserve a spot to receive free school supplies during this community pop-up giveaway. The event is designed to help students start the school year with essential classroom supplies while connecting families with local resources in a relaxed community atmosphere.
The giveaway will be held Sunday, July 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Fashion Cuts Hair & Beauty Academy, 3452 NE Jacksonville Rd. in Ocala. Admission is free, but advance registration is required online. Question may be directed via email.
Family Resource Center’s Back-to-School Shopping Experience
Families can browse gently used clothing, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes and school supplies during this unique shopping-style event hosted by the Family Resource Center. Rather than distributing pre-packed items, organizers allow families to select the items that best fit their children’s needs. Donations of children’s clothing and school items are also being accepted ahead of the event.
The shopping experience is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Family Resource Center, 19975 NW 244th St. in High Springs. Admission is free, but preregistration is required via email or by messaging the Family Resource Center’s Facebook page. Information is available by calling 386-454-8493.
Gainesville Housing Authority Back-to-School BBQ
The Gainesville Housing Authority will combine school readiness with family fun during its annual Back-to-School BBQ. Families can enjoy free food while children receive backpacks, school supplies, self-care items, games and giveaways. Organizers also plan a special surprise recognizing upcoming and recent high school graduates.
The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pine Meadows Community, 2626 E. University Ave. in Gainesville. Admission is free. For details, reach out to 352-872-5500.
Interlachen Back to School Bash
Three local organizations–Interlachen Soup Kitchen Ministries, New Grace Baptist Church and Faith Life Fellowship Church–have partnered to host a community celebration featuring school supply giveaways and family activities. The event will include inflatable water slides, bounce houses, free food, haircuts, a dental bus and live music. Students must be present to receive backpacks and school supplies.
The bash takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 155 CR 315 N. in Interlachen. Admission is free. For more information, call 386-972-1045 or reach out via email.
Marion County Children’s Alliance Back to School Bash (Drive-Thru)
The Marion County Children’s Alliance will once again host its popular drive-thru backpack giveaway, allowing families to receive school supplies without leaving their vehicles. Students who are present in the car will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies while quantities last. Meals, SWAG bags and community resources will also be distributed.
The drive-thru event runs Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Friends Recycling Center, 2350 NW 27th Ave. in Ocala. No registration is required. Children must be present in the vehicle to receive supplies. For more information, reach out to 352-438-5993.
Paddock Mall Back-to-School Bash
Families can prepare for the school year while exploring more than 40 community organizations during the Paddock Mall Back-to-School Bash. Along with school supply giveaways, attendees can participate in an interactive scavenger hunt to collect supplies and enter to win a family four-pack of tickets to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Backpack recipients must preregister in advance.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. in Ocala. Admission is free, but children must be preregistered to receive one of the 250 available backpacks. Additional information regarding vendors and the event is available via email.
Wildwood Parks and Recreation Back 2 School Collaborative Community Extravaganza
Wildwood’s annual community extravaganza offers much more than school supplies. Families can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and inflatable water games while students receive backpacks and school supplies. The event also includes free haircuts, vision screenings, dental checks and a shoe giveaway for eligible Sumter County students through advance registration.
The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Rd. in Wildwood. Admission is free. For additional information or registration requirements, call 352-461-0134.
Williston We SOAR Back-to-School Drive-Thru
WE SOAR Inc. will once again help Levy County students prepare for the classroom with a drive-thru backpack giveaway at Williston City Hall. Pre-K through 12th-grade students can receive backpacks filled with school supplies, snacks and educational resource information while supplies last. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available.
The drive-thru event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Williston City Hall, 50 NW Main St. Williston. Admission is free, and students must be present to receive supplies. More information can be found by contacting 352-361-6528 or reaching out via email.
