ORLANDO, Fla. — For many counties in Central Florida, the new school year starts next week. Whether families are preparing for their child to return to the classroom or start school for the first time, we collected a roundup of the following back-to-school events happening this weekend.
Orange County
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon
The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida will provide school supplies, school clothes, gift cards, haircuts and a limited number of new tablets, laptops and wireless headphones at their back-to-school event on Saturday.
Popcorn and candy will also be offered for free at the event.
Read: 5 brand new campuses to welcome thousands of students in Orange County
Osceola County
Kissimmee Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon.
The Salvation Army of Osceola County will host a free back-to-school backpack giveaway on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
This drive-thru event at the Osceola Emergency Service Center will provide parents with backpacks filled with school supplies from the comfort of their cars. While pre-registration is not required, a child must be present.
The organization will be joined by County Commissioner Peggy Coudhry.
Supplies will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here for the event location.
Read: District prepares new bus drivers for upcoming school year in Osceola County
Marion County
Marion County Department of Health Vaccine Event
Saturday 8 a.m. - noon
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host a vaccination event Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Vaccines are free and no appointment is necessary.
They will be offered at the department’s main office. Click here for a map to the address.
For any families who are unable to attend the event, the Department of Health will continue to provide free vaccines until Aug.12 at their office.
Click here for the event location.
Read: Florida Department of Health to host free school immunization event in Orange County
Ocala Old School DJ School Supply Giveaway
Sunday 10 a.m.
An Ocala community group called the Old School DJ Crew will be helping out children as they go back to school.
The backpack and school supply giveaway Sunday is a free event to help families who are struggling in times of need.
Organizer Samuel Melton Jr. said there will also be free food and music.
The event will start at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m., or until all of the backpacks are gone.
Click here for the event location.
Volusia County
DeLand Mayor’s Annual Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The 12th Annual Mayor’s Backpack Giveaway & Community Health Initiative will include vendors throughout the park to provide school supplies.
Backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis and once families get in line, they will be given a ticket to ensure they will receive one.
The health fair will offer HIV testing, blood pressure screening, child immunizations from grades K-7, glucose screening and cholesterol screening.
The DeLand Police Athletic League will give a limited amount of Nike shoes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here for the event location.
Volusia Mall Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Volsuia Mall Back-to-School Bash is hosted by Liberty Dental Plan of Florida and Touch of Magic Events.
The free event on Saturday will offer arts and crafts, face paintings and contests.
Liberty Dental Plan will give out free dental kits to keep children healthy.
Click here for the event location.
United Way Volusia-Flagler Counties Stuff the Bus donation event
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties will host a Stuff the Bus event at the Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach.
The organization will be collecting donated shoes, clothes, technology accessories (like headphones and flash drives) and school supplies.
Click here for the event location.
Seminole County
14th Annual Kids of HOPE Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HOPE will have its 14th Annual Kids of HOPE Back to School Bash event Saturday at First Church of Oviedo.
Local children in need can pick out a new backpack and shop for school supplies, socks, underwear and toiletries.
Children will also be able to receive an eye screening, fluoride treatments, a free family lunch and access to local resource agencies.
There will be appearances by Star Wars characters and service dogs.
This event is for registered families only.
Click here for the event location.
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