With school bells set to ring in less than two weeks—sorry students, keep soaking up that summer sun and sleep!—the end of July is the perfect time for parents to tackle that back-to-school supply list.
Don’t miss these local events designed to help you get ahead and ensure your kids are fully prepared for the upcoming academic year.
Here is a list of public events in Central Florida:
AUG. 2
Hope Fest: A Back to School Bash takes place from 12-3 p.m. at Bridgeprep Academy of St. Cloud (8691 Old Canoe Creek Road). Presented by Dream Center and URChurch, there will be school supply giveaways, food, music, free haircuts and entertainment, as well as vendors and games.
Back to School Free for All: It’s a free for all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (1000 Ohio Ave. in St. Cloud). Bring what you have and take what you need. There will be school supplies, a bounce house, food and games.
Cricket Wireless Back To School event: Cricket Wireless (837 Cypress Pkwy.) is hosting a Back to School event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This free community event features backpacks, school supplies, games, kids’ activities, raffles, giveaways, music and more.
APV Back to School Bash: The Association of Poinciana Villages (APV) Back to School Bash will be on from 12-3 p.m. on the community lawn at 445 Marigold Ave. There will be school supplies giveaways (while supplies last), food trucks and vendors. For more information or to register your food truck or secure a vendor spot, call 863427-0900 ext. 501.
Renaissance Charter: The Back to School Bash is 3-7 p.m. at the school at 5125 Robert McLane Blvd. There will be school supplies giveaways, music and entertainment, food vendors, games and a jeep and antique car show. Vendors are welcomed to register by Aug. 1. Contact Lisa Pimentel at (407) 569-0639
Fuente de Agua Viva: Saborealo Bakery (926 Cypress Pkwy.) will host a Back to School Party, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music, giveaways and more.
Iglesia Pentecostal Shekinah De Jehovah: The church, at 1421 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., will host a Back 2 School Giveaway from 10 a.m. until supplies run out. The event will include a backpack and school supply giveaway, snacks, groceries, hot food and more. Student must be present. For more information, call 407-780-8354.
AUG. 9
Hopkins Heroes’ Back to School Bash: To participate in their clothing drive, drop off old uniforms for the school uniform swap at Nutrition Zone, 1100 Massachusetts Ave. or Hopkins Park, 620 E. 17th St. Pick-up is also available, contact Stephanie Gilbert at 407-709-7394 or email Hopkinsheroes24@gmail.com. Donations of school supplies are also needed.
El Maldito Barbershop: The shop at 2005 Hickory Tree Road is holding a Back to School event featuring raffles, school supplies giveaways, food and a guest DJ. For each student haircut a raffle ticket will be issued for a 70inch TV and a tablet.
ONGOING
A Hero for Kids Back2School initiative: The 7th year of the supply drive is in full swing. This year, instead of registration and a drive-thru distribution event, a Hero for Kids will be directly supporting local schools and teachers. They will be delivering backpacks with school supplies and teacher supply kits to local schools. The backpacks will be distributed by the schools to children in need. For more information or to donate, call 407-908-8643 or email Andrea@aheroforkids.org.
