MLK school supply drive Jan. 16 in Ocala

A box filled with school supplies is shown during a drive held in Ocala during the summer of 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission is hosting a backpack and school supply drive from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 16.

The drop-off location is the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

Donations are requested of backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, and other kinds of school supplies.

The commission also is hosting these MLK related events:

• 17: Prayer Breakfast, 9 a.m., Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place,1821 NW 21st Ave. Ocala; contact Loretta Jenkins at (352) 351-0824 or Paula Leahmon at (352)426-8028
• 17: Wreath Ceremony, noon, Martin Luther King Jr. Park 500 SW MLK Jr. Ave., Ocala; contact Cassandra Boston at (352) 209-2973
• 17: Youth Day, 1 p.m., Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st. Ave. Ocala; contact Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 or Trellis Hagin at (386) 451-1973
• Jan 18: Ecumenical Service, 6 p.m., New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2251 NW 2nd St., Ocala
• 19: MLK March, 8 a.m. lineup in downtown Ocala, march steps off at 9 a.m. and goes to Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Recreation Complex, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala; transportation will be available at 7 a.m. from the racquetball court at the complex; contact Ire Bethea at (352) 208-0819
• Jan 19: Day in the Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Webb Field; for activities/vendors, contact Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036, for stage entertainment, contact TeSha Jackson at (352) 426-0861