As families prepare for the upcoming school year, community organizations are collaborating to host back-to-school bashes to provide those in need with supplies. Below is a brief list of upcoming events people can attend to cross items off their back-to-school shopping list.
Community Foundation hosts backpack event: The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is hosting its Back-to-School Community Giveback Backpack Event from 10 a.m. to noon July 27. Backpacks filled with school supplies will be passed out at multiple locations including AdventHealth Ocala, Liberty Middle School, Dunnellon Middle School, Forest Community Center, Lake Weir High School, Belleview High School, North Marion High School and Friends Recycling Center. Students are required to register for supplies to receive a supply kit customized by grade level on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/bdhh473b. There also will be free health physicals, bicycle helmets and fittings, hygiene kits, book giveaways, complimentary photos and more. For more information, visit ocalafoundation.org.
Wildwood Back To School Extravaganza: Celebrations in Wildwood will continue with the Back To School Collaborative Community Extravaganza from noon to 4 p.m. July 27 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 600 Walker Road in Wildwood. There will be a school supply giveaway, free kids’ haircuts and a backpack giveaway. This outdoor extravaganza event features water slides, a foam machine and a live DJ. Children also can get their face painted. Food and merchant vendors will be present. For more information, visit wildwood-fl.gov.End of Summer Celebration:
Head to the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. in Leesburg, for the End of Summer Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. July 27. The event, which will be held in the story room and the garden, will commemorate the end of the 2024 Summer Library Program. The festivities will include face painting and balloon twisting. Participants can play games, make crafts and win prizes during the event. Snack will be provided. For more information, visit mylakelibrary.com.
Fruitland Park Library Back to School Bash: Fall into the festivities with the Back to School Bash hosted from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Fruitland Park Library, 604 W Berckman St. in Fruitland Park. The celebration aims to support children by providing backpacks and other school supplies. The Fruitland Park Police Department is giving out helmets for students who ride bikes. The Lions Club International will sponsor hearing and vision checks for students. Businesses will be present to tell families about available after-school activities. For more information, visit mylakelibrary.com.
Lake County Back to School Expo: Experience the Lake County Back to School Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 at the Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg. There will be live music, games, food, prizes and other giveaways. Take advantage of the chance to grab some trend fashion finds with the Back-to-School Bundle, where shoppers can buy five outfits for $300. For more information, visit lakesquaremall.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
