COMMUNITY NEWS

Lisa Savage and Susan Sheaves work at the free gas giveaway event. [Submitted photo]

Free gas giveaway

On Oct. 18, Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center hosted its sixth annual free gas giveaway. This was the first year the church hosted the giveaway under its Beyond Us Community Development Corporation. By the end of the event, 130 families had received $20 worth of free gas.

Volunteers gathered at the WAWA gas station 8380 SW State Road 200 with cheerful hearts and helping hands, pumping gas and spreading encouragement to families from across the area, according to Beyond Us CDC President Latasha Smith. The West Port High School football team also joined in with teamwork and enthusiasm, Smith noted in the news release.

Fun Olympics set for Nov. 12

Kenny’s Place Nursery has announced that its second annual Fun Olympics will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 12, at 7677 SE 41st Court, Ocala.

The event will bring together participants from Transitions Life Center, ARC of Marion and Bridge to Hope. The Fun Olympics will feature field day–style games and activities designed to promote teamwork, physical activity and community spirit. Every participant will receive ribbons and a medal, and each day program will take home a trophy.

“The Fun Olympics is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Betsy Poore, director of operations at Kenny’s Place, in the news release. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy some friendly games and celebrate the amazing individuals and organizations we’re proud to work alongside.”

Community members are encouraged to come out and cheer on the athletes.

To learn more, contact Poore at (352) 867-1213 or [email protected] and visit kennysnursery.org

Put Down the Phone Day on Nov. 15

The Marion County Children’s Alliance, in partnership with community leaders and community partners, has launched the Put Down the Phone Day campaign, a countywide initiative encouraging residents to take a mindful break from their screens and reconnect with the world around them on Nov. 15.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the impact of excessive screen time on mental health, relationships and overall well-being. The effort was born out of a focus group discussion held earlier this year by the MCCA, where members identified mental health, largely influenced by social media and screen use as the number one issue impacting youth, according to the news release.

Funded through community donations, the campaign emphasizes moderation over elimination, helping individuals and families learn to use technology in healthier, more intentional ways.

The campaign will continue throughout the fall, leading up to the Look Up Marion Summit on Dec. 3, where national speaker Mandee Hamann will present to educators, parents, health professionals and community leaders to share insights, strategies and stories about the importance of digital balance and mental well-being.

Tickets to the summit can be purchased at mcchildrensalliance.networkforgood.com/events/92346-look-up-marion-put-down-the-phone-summit

Residents can visit lookupmarion.com to take a pledge, download free resources and learn about local events on Nov. 15.

License plate funds new programs

The Autism Services Council recently announced it is awarding $158,000 in grants to 18 nonprofit organizations across Florida, bringing services to 2,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities. Funding for the grants is generated by sales and renewals of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate.

Among the grantees is the Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. (Arc Marion), for safe, reliable door-to-door transportation for adults with disabilities to attend day programs and community outings that foster independence and social integration.

New executive director

LaShara Lofton

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, has named LaShara Lofton as executive director of its North Central Florida region.

Lofton will work alongside CEO Megan Rose to oversee, support and grow Better Together’s presence in 18 counties spanning from Marion to Madison. Lofton has more than 20 years of experience working in child welfare and case management and previously worked in several roles for the Florida Department of Children and families.

To learn more about Better Together, go to bettertogetherus.org

Operation Christmas Child

Samaritan’s Purse sends gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in need around the world. Since 1993, these gift-filled shoeboxes have been delivered to millions of children around the world.

Shoebox gifts, packed with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items, bring joy and hope to boys and girls who may have never received a gift of their own. The National Collection Week is set for Nov. 17–24.

Donations are being accepted now at these locations: samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations