There are several back-to-school events planned for this weekend across Marion County, with most featuring free backpacks and school supplies, among other community resources and giveaways.
Marion County students are invited to receive free backpacks filled with supplies this weekend during several community events this weekend.
The Mary Sue Rich Community Center, located at 1821 NW 21st Ave. in Ocala, will host a Back to School Drive on Saturday, July 27, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. All are invited to join in for a day of family fun, food, games, music, and backpacks filled with school supplies. Each child must be registered individually by using their name and school student ID# to ensure that they receive a backpack with supplies.
The Marion County Children’s Alliance Back-to-School Bash will be this Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Friends Recycling Center (2350 NW 27 Ave., Ocala, 34475). No registration is required, and there will be free meals for adults and children during the event. There will also be SWAG bags with community resources for adults, and school supplies for kids, while supplies last. This event is drive-thru only, so those in attendance must be in a car to participate. Event organizers say they hope to serve 1,200 students.
The Community Foundation of Ocala Marion County is hosting its third Annual Back-to-School Community Giveback. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. across eight locations in Marion County:
- AdventHealth Auxiliary Center (1542 SW 1st Ave., Ocala, 34471)
- Belleview High School (10400 SE 36 Ave., Belleview, 34420)
- Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala, 34472)
- The Forest Community Center (777 S. Hwy 314 A, Ocklawaha, 32179)
- North Marion High School (151 W. County Rd. 329, Citra, 32113)
- Liberty Middle School (4773 SW 95 St., Ocala, 34476)
- Dunnellon Middle School (21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon, 34431)
Registration for the Community Foundation’s event is required for each student in grades VPK through 12th grade. Students must use their MCPS student number or school location for private, homeschool, and special needs programs. Only one registration per student, per location. The registration link is now open and closes when the event reaches capacity. Each registered student will receive a backpack of their choice, with various sizes, colors, and styles available, along with a basic supply kit tailored to their grade level.
For more information on the Community Foundation’s Back to School Community Giveback event, contact Ashley Gerds, director of strategic engagement at the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, at 352.622.5020 x105 or [email protected].