What is Back to School Community Giveback?
Back to School Community Giveback is an effort by the Community Foundation, AdventHealth Ocala, and Marion County Public Schools to bring backpacks and supplies to thousands of families in Marion County. More than 7,000 backpacks will be distributed across 10 locations. The event’s main host location will be at the AdventHealth Ocala Auxiliary Center, with satellite locations at Lake Lillian in Belleview, Belleview High School, Dunnellon Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Ft. McCoy School, Lake Weir High School, North Marion High School, Friends Recycling and Forest Community Center (drive-thru location) and at Frank DeLuca YMCA..
Attendees and Registration
Each student will be registered by a parent or guardian on our registration portal. We will collect student names, age, grade level, and school information. Students can only be registered for one location, which will ensure our community is served at the highest level. Click here to register to receive a backpack.
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 MCPS families. Individuals can donate supplies via these boxes or through our Amazon Wish List. Supplies can be dropped off at the following locations: Angie Lewis State Farm, Chick-fil-A Paddock Mall, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, DeLuca Toyota, Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Gold’s Gym, Heart of Florida, Regions Bank, Roma’s Italian Restaurant, Southstate Bank locations, Zone Health and Fitness east/west locations.
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.
Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities
Interested in partnering with us to bring supplies to the community? Sponsors and vendors can contact Community Foundation Director of Strategic Engagement Ashley Wheeler-Gerds at 352-622-5020 ext. 105 or at Ashley@OcalaFoundation.org for a variety of sponsorship and vendor opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Event date may vary depending on location. Interested in volunteering? Click here for a full list of times and locations or contact Marion County Public Schools Director of Community Engagement Lauren Debick at Lauren.Debick@Marion.k12.fl.us.