Registrants and volunteers sought for July 25 outreach

Christ Rodriguez-Guibert and his mother Roseli Guibert pick out a backpack during the Back to School Community Giveback in Ocala in 2024. This year’s giveback is set for July 25 at seven locations. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

If you have a few hours to spare, more volunteers are needed for the 8th Annual Back to School Community Giveback, which will happen at seven locations across Marion County on July 25. If you have a child heading back to school, you may want to register so they receive a free backpack loaded with supplies.

The giveback will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. bring together hundreds of volunteers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educators, first responders and community leaders in preparation of serving up to 6,000 students and their families. Students will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, while families will have access to healthcare services, food assistance, nonprofit resources, family activities and other support, according to the news release.

“The backpack may be what a child carries home, but what we hope they truly carry with them is the feeling that their community is standing behind them,” said Ashley Wheeler Gerds, founder of the Back to School Community Giveback, in the release. “Every child deserves to walk into school with confidence. They deserve to feel excited about the first day, proud of their backpack and ready to learn. For us, this event has always been about making sure families know they are not alone.”

At the College of Central Florida location, families will have access to an expanded range of services and activities. A food distribution will help provide additional support to families preparing for the school year. Signature Brands, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, will create a special experience for children through a fun cupcake-decorating activity. Families will also receive birthday celebration items to take home. Marion County Fire Rescue will provide professional bike helmet fittings and distribute more than 250 bicycle helmets to young riders.

AdventHealth Ocala and the Heart of Florida Health Center will provide sports physicals for students and EKG screenings for high school student-athletes at select locations. Pre-registration is required. Other locations include West Port High School, Belleview High School, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Lake Weir High School and a drive-through distribution in partnership with the Marion County Children’s Alliance at the Friends Recycling Center.

To register to attend, go to eventbrite.com/e/1992376084502?aff=oddtdtcreator

To sign up to volunteer, Back to School Community Giveback: Back to School Community Giveback Event – 2026

To learn more, go to fb.com/people/Back-to-School-Community-Giveback/61581633257476/