As the new school year approaches, Osceola County families have plenty of opportunities to gear up for success thanks to area back-to-school events. Offering backpack and supply giveaways, free haircuts, uniform swaps, and family fun—these local organizations are stepping up to support students and families.
JULY 18
• Free Shoes for School- Aged Students will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 400 E. Columbia Ave., Kissimmee. The outreach will provide free sneakers to school-aged students to help prepare them for the upcoming school year. Parents or legal guardians must bring the children to receive shoes, available while supplies last. The event, organized by the National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA, in partnership with the National Mothers and Deaconesses Ministry, is free.
• Back to School Event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, 1950 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee. Families can expect school supply giveaways while supplies last, children’s activities and games, music and family fun, information from community organizations and local resources, and details about early learning programs. A VPK Enrollment Event will also be available, where families who bring required enrollment documents can receive onsite assistance completing applications and may leave with a VPK Certificate the same day. The event, organized by the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, is free.
• iRise Expo will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Osceola Heritage Park, 1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee. This free, family-friendly community event features more than 100 exhibitors, kids and youth zones, live music, raffles, an art gallery, and various resources. It will also include free school supplies and backpacks while supplies last, plus free haircuts, all aimed at empowering families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The event, organized by iRise Expo, is free, but registration is required: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/irise-expo-2026-tickets-1984011612140 See next week for events from July 23 to Aug. 8.
