Back to School Community Giveback

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 AdventHealth Ocala Auxiliary Center, with satellite locations at participating Marion County schools and other locations. More information on this year’s pickup spots will be announced during the summer. The date of this event is Saturday, July 27 from 10 am to 12 pm.

Pick Up Locations

Main Location: The 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 R d., 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)
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. Click here to receive a backpack. Registration open now through July 22nd, or when event reaches capacity. Registration required to receive a backpack. Must be an enrolled Marion County student. Students will need to use their student number or school location for private/homeschool and special needs programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering? Visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A4FA5A82EA0FC1-49608334-back#/ to select a location. Volunteer orientation is scheduled for July 22nd 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 MCPS 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 Director of Strategic Engagement Ashley Gerds at 352-622-5020 ext. 105 or at Ashley@OcalaFoundation.org for a variety of sponsorship and vendor opportunities.