Since its inception in 2019, the Back to School Community Giveback has played a vital role in preparing over 6,000 students in Marion County for academic success. Founded by The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion, AdventHealth Ocala, and Marion County Public Schools, the program has distributed more than 30,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies.
Additionally, an inclusive school supply drive launched by The Community Foundation supports over 40 nonprofit organizations, ensuring resources reach a wide range of students. This includes public school students, special needs programs, homeschoolers, foster care programs, homeless students, and those in after-school programs. The Back-to-School Community Giveback continues to grow, demonstrating its lasting impact on Marion County’s children and families.
What is Back to School Community Giveback?
Back to School Community Giveback is an effort to bring backpacks and supplies to thousands of families in Marion County. More than 6,000 backpacks will be distributed across a variety of location in Marion County. The event’s main host location will be at the College of Central Florida Klein Center, with satellite locations at Heart of Florida Health Center, Friends Recycling Center, and participating Marion County schools. More information on this year’s pickup spots will be announced during the summer. The date of this event is Saturday, July 26 from 10 am to 1pm.
Pick Up Locations
Main Location: College of Central Florida Klein Center (1542 SW 1st Ave, Ocala, 34471)
Heart of Florida Health Center (2553 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470)
Belleview High School (10400 SE 36 Ave, Belleview, 34420)
Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp R d., Ocala, 34472)
Liberty Middle School (4773 SW 95 St, Ocala, 34476)
Dunnellon Middle School (21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon, 34431)
Friends Recycling Center (2350 NW 27 Ave, Ocala, 34475; powered by Marion County Children’s Alliance; no registration required, drive-thru only, total of 1,200 backpacks)
Attendees and Registration
Each student will be registered by a parent or guardian on our registration portal. Students can only be registered for one location, which will ensure our community is served at the highest level. Parents and guardians will be able to register their children through an online form starting in the summer prior to the new school year. Registration will open July 1st. Registration will be required to receive a backpack. Students will need to use their student number or school location for private/homeschool and special needs programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in volunteering? The Volunteer link will open in June. Volunteer orientation is scheduled for July 21st at 6 PM on Zoom. Times for volunteers to arrive and exit will vary based on location.
How Will These Donated Items Reach the Community?
Each nonprofit will apply to receive specific items based on their organizational need. Each nonprofit application will be reviewed by the Back-to-School Committee. A percentage of items will be designated for each qualified nonprofit to receive. Every receiving organization will be required to have a distribution plan upon approval. Nonprofits can access an items request form by clicking here.
Supply Boxes
Supply boxes will be distributed throughout the county to assist in collecting donations, such as student and teacher supplies, hygiene products, coats, socks, clothing, and nonperishable items. These collected items will be distributed to multiple nonprofit organizations serving Marion County families. Individuals can donate supplies via these boxes or through our Amazon Wish List.
Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities
Interested in partnering with us to bring supplies to the community? Sponsors and vendors can contact Community Foundation Vice President of Strategic Engagement Ashley Gerds at 352-622-5020 ext. 105 or at Ashley@OcalaFoundation.org for a variety of sponsorship and vendor opportunities.
Other Questions
For other questions, contact Community Foundation Director of Strategic Engagement Ashley Gerds or MCPS Director of Public Relations Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC at Kevin.Christian@Marion.k12.fl.us.