Tag Archive for: school supplies

It’s that time again! Find 2018 back-to-school bashes and donation drives in Polk County by scrolling below.
 
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Upcoming Dates

Student orientation: Thursday, August 9
First day of school for students: Monday, August 13
 
Tax-free holiday: August 3-5
 

Bashes

Back to School Snack Pack
When: Wednesday, August 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Renaissance at Washington Ridge Property: Senior Building, 150 W 14th St., Lakeland
What: Gear up for school, and get ideas on how to fuel your kids with healthy snacks that are affordable, easy, and delicious with this free event from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences. There will even be food demonstration!!
Contact: 863-519-1041, andreanikolai@ufl.edu
 
End of Summer Back to School Bash
When: Wednesday, August 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Gibsonia Baptist Church, 5440 U.S. 98N, Lakeland
What: This free back-to-school event by the Gibsonia Baptist Church includes games, food and fun.
Contact: 863-858-3321
 
Back to School Carnival
When: Friday, August 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Brookdale Highlands, 4250 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland
What: The carnival is $10 for adults and free for children 10 and younger. The proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ticket purchases will include a plate of food (ribs, sliders and sides). Attendees will find a petting zoo, dunk tank, games, face painting, water balloon toss and ice cream truck. The first 30 children will receive a backpack filled with school supplies.
Contact: 863-701-7820
 
Back to School First Friday
When: Friday, August 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Join the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, MidFlorida & St. Leo University as well as community vendors in celebrating the start of a new school year with school-themed activities. First Friday features free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the opportunity to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment on the first Friday of each month.
Contact: info@downtownlakelandfl.com
 
Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Join Polk County Parks & Recreation for this free family event featuring free school supplies for children entering kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, arts & crafts, prizes, educational exhibitors and children activities.
Contact: 863-298-7898, borisrodriguez@polk-county.net
 
Back to School Community Expo
When: Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Florida Technical College Lakeland Campus, 4715 Florida Avenue S. #4, Lakeland
What: Learn about Florida Technical College’s programs while enjoying live music from Hot 101.5, exhibitors, campus tours, free food, family activities and free backpacks with school supplies kits.
Contact: Make your reservation at evenbrite.com/e/back-to-school-community-expo-tickets-47555133685.
 
Back to School Jam
When: Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Auburndale City Park
What: This event is free, but donations are encouraged and will be accepted. Attendees will be able to enjoy food, games, prizes, music, entertainment, face painting, raffles, a bookbag giveaway and more.
Contact: 321-304-0472, angelsofdestiny2@gmail.com
 
Bounce Back Party
When: Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: New Horizon Church, 400 Orchid Drive, Haines City
What: New Horizon Church’s free event for children in preschool through fifth grade will feature bounce houses, activities, games, crafts and foods.
Contact: office@nhcpolk.org
 
Mulberry’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Mulberry High School Gym, 1 Panther Place, Mulberry
What: The Heart of Florida Arbor and the Ministerial Alliance will be distributing backpacks (pre-registration is required) and hot dogs to celebrate the start of a new school year. Bounce houses and more will make this a fun event.
Contact: 863-427-2290
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, August 4, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland
What: New Beginnings High School is hosting the annual Summer Palooza event so that families and children will have the necessary resources to go back to school. New Beginnings’ Summer Palooza will provide necessities along with educational guest speakers, a warm meal, and entertainment throughout the morning.
Contact: Shawna Butler, 863-298-5666
 
Back to School Snack Pack
When: Tuesday, August 7, 3-4 p.m.
Where: Carrington Place Community Room, 1411 Kettles Ave., Lakeland
What: Gear up for school, and get ideas on how to fuel your kids with healthy snacks that are affordable, easy, and delicious with this free event from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences. There will even be food demonstration!!
Contact: 863-519-1041, andreanikolai@ufl.edu
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Friday, August 10-Sunday, August 12, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Harvest Church Lakeland, 2120 Airport Rd., Lakeland
What: Bring the entire family to this free community event featuring giveaways, free backpacks, free haircuts, a health fair, hot dogs, cotton candy, bounce houses and more.
Contact: 863-682-7000
 
Back to School: Party at the Pool
When: Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Spence Park, NE 1st St., Mulberry
What: Kick off the start of school with a Moana meet and greet, waterslides and the pool fun in Mulberry.
Contact: 863-393-8166
 
Lake Eva Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Ave., Haines City
What: This free community event is a great opportunity for parents and their children to receive needed school supplies. The bash will include: free backpacks, haircuts and food as well as bouncy houses, guest speakers and a special appearance by Smart Mouth’s Jason Alexander.
Contact: 863-438-2758
 
Belk Back-to-School Charity Sale
When: Saturday, August 25, 6-10 a.m. (& later)
Where: Belk, 1400 Town Center Dr., Lakeland
What: The Belk Charity Sale is a private sale dedicated to supporting local nonprofits. The Learning Resource Center as well as other participating charities and schools will have the opportunity to raise money by selling $5 tickets, and keeping 100% of ticket proceeds. Ticket holders will receive 20% – 70% off of Belk purchases storewide, including special savings on rarely-discounted brands plus $5 off their purchase. The presale takes place August 13-24. Stop into the Learning Resource Center (1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland) to pick up your tickets today!
 

Donation Drives

Back to School Personal Hygiene Product Drive
When: Taking place now
Where: Top Buttons Upscale Boutique, 236 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
What: In preparation for the upcoming school year, Top Buttons is collecting BRAND NEW personal hygiene items for the young ladies in the Wearing Confidence Program! Donate any of the suggested items below (at either of our locations) and receive $5 off any upscale thrift item.
Toothpaste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Hair brushes, Deodorant, Feminine Products, Body soap, Lotion
Contact: 863-450-4060, info@topbuttons.org
 
Miracle Toyota School Supply Drive
When: Now Through Wednesday, August 8
Where: Miracle Toyota, 37048 US-27, Haines City
What: Miracle Toyota in Haines City is planning to donate 1,500 backpacks to children in Haines City. The dealership has worked with Bethune Academy, Trinity Worship Center and Church Manantial de Bendiciones over the years to make sure students are equipped for success. This year, the dealership will donate additional backpacks for each car that’s sold, but it welcomes donations of backpacks or school supplies from those not looking to buy a car, as well.
 
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is Central Florida’s largest back-to-school campaign. In addition to the traditional school supplies that are needed such as pens, pencils, wide rule paper, folders with prongs, crayons, markers, backpacks, glue and erasers, you may also donate copy paper, facial tissue, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags, and pencil boxes.
 
Lakeland: August 8, 7-8:30 a.m. at Hall Communications (404 West Lime St.)
Lakeland: Through Sunday, August 5 at Victory Church (1401 Griffin Road)
Bartow: Accepting donations now; Event: August 17, 5 p.m. at the Bartow Chamber (510 N. Broadway Ave. in Bartow)
 
LEGOLAND Florida School Supply Drive
When: August 2018
Where: LEGOLAND Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
What: Amusement park visitors are encouraged to bring new and unopened school supplies to donate to homeless students at Polk County Public Schools, through the Homeless Education Advocates Restoring the Hope program. Standard parking is also free at LEGOLAND Florida during the month of August.
 
Mattress Firm Foster Kids School Supply Drive
When: Now through Sunday, September 2
Where: Florida Mattress Firm locations
What: Advocates for Florida’s foster children have launched a back-to-school donation drive. Donations of backpacks filled with essential classroom items can be dropped off at Mattress Firm locations throughout the state. The drive is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Ticket to Dream Foundation and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Visit mattressfirmfosterkids.org for store locations and more information.
 
 

Search #LRCback2school on Facebook and Twitter to find more posts, blogs and information from LRC on back-to-school 2018 in Polk County.

Shop, and save this weekend!

2017 Florida Sales Tax Holiday Back-to-School
 
The 2017 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 4 at 12:01 a.m. and running through Sunday, August 6 at 11:59 p.m.
 
This year’s tax-free rules apply to clothing, footwear and certain accessories that cost $60 or less per item and school supplies that costs $15 or less per item.
 
Examples of items that will be exempt from tax this weekend include:

Clothing:

  • Bags
  • Belts
  • Hats
  • Hair accessories
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Raincoats
  • Shirts
  • Shorts & skirts
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Scarves
  • Swimsuits
  • Ties
  • Uniforms
  • Wallets

Supplies:

  • Backpacks
  • Binders
  • Calculators
  • Folders
  • Markers, crayons & colored pencils
  • Notebook paper
  • Poster board
  • Pens & pencils

Computer & Accessories:

  • Computers for noncommercial home or personal use
  • Computer speakers
  • Flash drives
  • Headphones
  • Ink cartridges
  • Software
  • Tablets

 
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the holiday will NOT apply to the following:

  • Any item of clothing selling for more than $60
  • Any school supply item selling for more than $15
  • Books that are not otherwise exempt
  • Personal computers and computer-related accessories purchase for commercial purposes
  • Rentals or leases of any of these items
  • Repairs or alterations of any of these items
  • Sales of clothing or school supplies in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

 
For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, please CLICK HERE.
 
 

It’s back-to-school time! Scroll down to find details on the first day of school and the 2016 sales tax holiday as well as local events, health fairs and donation drives.

back to school freepik

Graphic: Freepik.com

Student orientation: Thursday, August 11
First day of school for students: Monday, August 15
 
Tax-free holiday: August 5-7
 

Bashes

Back to School Bash
When: Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Back to School Bash is a free family event. Families will get to enjoy free school supplies for children kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, educational exhibitors, and children activities. This event will help children start the school year off on the right foot.
Contact: 863-298-7898
 
Back to School 2016 Community Bash
When: Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven
What: The “Circle of Love Project” (comprised of local churches, businesses and the City) will provide back to school supplies for Winter Haven area children. Supplies and book bags geared towards grades K – 8, will be distributed to children in need with educational, financial and health vendors on site. Everything will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. An adult and child(ren) must be present to attain a ticket for the free book bag and school supplies. There will also be bounce houses, free food, music and swimming from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for ages 5 – 17.
Contact: Tory Dewdney, 863-291-5675.
 
Life Church Backpack Outreach
When: Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 581 Berkley Rd. Auburndale, FL 33823
What: Auburndale’s Life Church will hold a giving for over 700 free school backpacks filled with school supplies for needy families.
Contact: Dawn Simmons, 863-967-5433
 
First Friday Downtown Lakeland
When: Friday, August 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Free, family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the chance to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment. Augusts’ event theme is Back-to-School sponsored in part by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Contact:863-510-9723
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland
What: To introduce New Beginnings High School to the Lakeland community, the school is hosting Summer Palooza so that families and children will have the necessary resources to go back to school. New Beginnings’ Summer Palooza will provide necessities along with educational guest speakers, a warm meal, and entertainment throughout the day.
Contact:
 
Back to School: Movie at the Pool
When: Saturday, August 13, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: 1100 NE 1st St, Mulberry, FL 33860
What: Enjoy a showing of “Finding Nemo” while swimming in Mulberry’s own Community Pool. Admission is free, however guests must be residents of the City of Mulberry. Children under the age of 15 years must have a valid Pool ID.
Contact:City of Mulberry, 863-425-1125
 
Fifth Annual Community Back to School Family Fun Day
When: Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Westwood Park, 1151 36th Street NW, Winter Haven
What: This free event is aimed at preparing family in the community for the new school year by providing free health screenings, health information, child safety information and more. There will be a backpack giveaway with school supplies for school-age children. There will be also be fun activities and entertainment for kids including games and a petting zoo.
Contact: 863-875-7933 or info@heart2heartcommunity.org
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Lakeland Center: George Jenkins Arena
What: Bring the entire family to this free community event featuring giveaways, free backpacks, free haircuts, a health fair, hot dogs, cotton candy, bounce houses and more.
Contact: Harvest Assembly of God: 863-682-7000. The Lakeland Center: 863-834-8100
 

Just outside of Polk:

 
Whole Foods Market Florida Back to School Lunch Giveaway!
When: Sunday, August 7 & August 14, 12 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market
What: Whole Foods Market Back to School Lunch Giveaway- Get a complimentary lunch without any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives for your child (12 and under) for the first day of school.
Sunday, August 7: Tampa; Sunday, August 14: Orlando
Contact: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list
 

Health Fairs

Back to School Health Fair
When: July 29-August 6 (see dates & sites below)
Where: Central Florida Health Care: Throughout Polk County
What: A Central Florida Health Care back to school health clinic featuring CFHC school supplies and backpacks also.
Contact: 863-425-6200

Dates, Times & Sites:

  • Friday, July 29, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Avon Park, 950 CR-17A W
  • Saturday, July 30, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Lakeland, 1129 N Missouri Ave
  • Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Winter Haven, 201 Magnolia Ave. SW
  • Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Dundee, 1023 Dundee Rd

 
Back To School Health Fair
When: Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 40100 US Highway 27, Davenport
What: Good health is the best back-to-school supply your child can have. So don’t miss our free Back-to-School Health Fair that combines health and safety education with fun for the whole family!

  • Safety presentations by police and EMS
  • Health presentations by local pediatricians and physicians
  • Back-to-school screenings and discounts
  • Fun Zone with free crafts, face painting and activities
  • Free school supplies
  • Teddy Bear Clinic
  • Drawings for tickets to special events, while supplies last

Contact: 866-997-DOCS
 
Back- to-School Shots
Department of Health in Polk clinics

  • Auburndale, 1805 Hobbs Road, 863-965-5400
  • Haines City, 1700 Baker Ave. E., 863-421-3204
  • Lake Wales, 835 W. Central Ave., 863-678-4144
  • Lakeland, 3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd., 863-413-2620

– The Bartow clinic does not provide childhood immunizations.
– Appointments are recommended, although walk-ins are accepted.
– All but the Auburndale clinic are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. At Auburndale, the immunization clinic hours vary by day.
 

Donation Drives

Gator Encounters & Donation Drive
When: Friday, July 29, 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Where: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
What: Mulberry Phosphate Museum will host two family-friendly close encounters with Florida’s wildlife and Tim Williams as a way to gain school supply donations. Reserve your place at mulberryphosphatemuseum.org. For admission, please bring two school supply items to donate.
Contact: 863-425-2823
 
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is Central Florida’s largest back-to-school campaign. In addition to the traditional school supplies that are needed such as pens, pencils, wide rule paper, folders with prongs, crayons, markers, backpacks, glue and erasers, you may also donate copy paper, facial tissue, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags, and pencil boxes.
 
Bartow: Through Friday, August 19
Lakeland:Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Walmart (US Hwy 98 N)
Lakeland: Wednesday, August 10 at Hall Communications
Winter Haven: Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd.)
 
 

Shop and save!

The 2016 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 5 at 12:01 a.m. and running through Sunday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Different from last year, this year’s tax-free rules apply to clothing, footwear and certain accessories that cost $60 or less per item and school supplies that costs $15 or less per item.
 
Examples of items that will apply to the tax-free holiday are:

Clothing:

  • Bags
  • Belts
  • Hats
  • Hair accessories
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Raincoats
  • Shirts
  • Shorts & skirts
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Scarves
  • Swimsuits
  • Ties
  • Uniforms
  • Wallets

Supplies:

  • Backpacks
  • Binders
  • Calculators
  • Folders
  • Markers, crayons & colored pencils
  • Notebook paper
  • Poster board
  • Pens & pencils

 
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the holiday will NOT apply to the following:

  • Any item of clothing selling for more than $60
  • Any school supply item selling for more than $15
  • Books that are not otherwise exempt
  • Personal computers and computer-related accessories
  • Rentals or leases of any of these items
  • Repairs or alterations of any of these items
  • Sales of clothing or school supplies in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

 
For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, please visit dor.myflorida.com.
 
 

Related Posts:

 
Get your back-to-school items during the 10-day tax holiday (2015)
 
 

School bells will be ringing soon, signaling that classes are back in session. Before the 2015-2015 year begins, have some fun, get informed, and help other teachers and students at these back-to-school bashes, events, and donation drives taking place throughout Polk County.
 
Student orientation: Thursday, August 20
First day of school for students: Monday, August 24
 
Tax-free holiday: August 7-16
 

Bashes

 
Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 8, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Eloise Resource Center 710 Snively Avenue, Eloise
What: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Back to School Bash is a free family event. Families will get to enjoy free school supplies for children kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, educational exhibitors, and children activities. This event will help children start the school year off on the right foot.
Contact: 863-298-4485
 
Back to School Bash

When: Sunday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Back to School Bash is a free family event. Families will get to enjoy free school supplies for children kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, educational exhibitors, and children activities. This event will help children start the school year off on the right foot.
Contact: 863-298-7898
 
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH Winter Haven

When: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Greater Works Ministries, 2110 Oakhurst Drive, Winter Haven
What: Food, entertainment, various groups with information and resources for children and parents, haircuts, various back-to-school services and games.
Contact: 863-206-5706
 
EMERGE Goes Back to School

When: Tuesday, August 18, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Crystal Lake Elementary, 700 Galvin Drive, Lakeland
What: EMERGE Lakeland is giving back to some hardworking Polk County teachers! Volunteers will meet at Crystal Lake Elementary for a light breakfast before helping teachers prepare their classrooms for the 2015-2016 school year!
 
Even if you can’t volunteer that day, you can help by donating the following “Back to School” items:
 
Notebooks
Composition Books
Pencils
Crayons
Erasers
Hand Sanitizer
Kleenex
 
Contact: 863-688-8551 ext. 228
 

Back-to-School Extravaganza

When: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Ward and Coney Community Center, 2610 Recker Highway, Winter Haven
What: Many local businesses have come together to provide the community with fun, food, hairstyles, bounce houses, kids craft workshops, health testings, live entertainment and valuable giveaways for this extravaganza. The Guest Speaker will be Altrichia Cook, CEO of Allusions By A.Lekay. School Supplies will be given to a limited number of students.
*Parents must PRE-REGISTERfor the school supply packages.
Contact: 863-288-0099, wardandconeycenter@gmail.com
 
Back to School Pool Bash

When: August 29, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven
What: Enjoy food, water slides, bounce houses, games, music, and more at this free community event geared towards ages 6-17.
Contact: 863-291-5675
 

Health Fairs

 
Back To School Health Fair

When: Friday, Aug 8 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Where: Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 40100 US Highway 27, Davenport
What: Celebrate back to school with Heart of Florida.

  • School-aged children can enjoy Heart of Florida’s Kid Clinic: a hands-on learning opportunity focused on staying healthy, exercising, and eating right.
  • Heart of Florida’s Teddy Bear Clinic: a special check-up for your child’s teddy bear.
  • Education on concussion awareness, early learning programs, a healthy eating initiative, and more, provided by Nemours Children’s Hospital.
  • Local pediatricians, physicians, police, and EMS offer info on back-to-school screenings & discounts, and keeping kids safe during the school year.
  • Enjoy the fun zone with free crafts, face-painting, and activities.

Contact: RSVP line, 866-997-DOCS
 
Back to School Health Fair

When: Friday, Aug 14, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Where: Central Florida Health Care, Inc.-Mulberry, 106 NW 9th Ave., Mulberry
What: A Central Florida Health Care back to school health clinic featuring  CFHC school supplies and backpacks also.
Contact: 863-425-6200
 

Donation Drives

 
Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus is Central Florida’s largest back-to-school campaign. In addition to the traditional school supplies that are needed such as pens, pencils, wide rule paper, folders with prongs, crayons, markers, backpacks, glue and erasers, you may also donate copy paper, facial tissue, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags, and pencil boxes. Stop by Hall Communications located at 404 West Lime Street in Lakeland between on Wednesday, August 19 between 7:00-8:30 a.m. to deliver your drop-off. Stuff the Bus is taking place throughout Polk County. Here is a list of Lakeland drop-off sites leading up to the August 19th event: Learning Resource Center, Red Elephant Pizza and Grill, Victory Church, Lakeland Association of Realtors, Regal Lakeland, Maximize Digital Media, and The Doggie Bag Boutique. Please visit https://lrcpolk.com/stuff-the-bus-for-students-in-need/for more information.
 
Winter Haven Stuff the Bus Info.
 
Pace Center for Girls – Polk Supply Drive

PACE Polk could use your help with school supplies. They will welcome 48 girls on August 17, and could use supplies such as pencils, binders, notebooks, crayons, dictionaries, markers, glue sticks, and more. Please contact Mayelin Quintero at 863-688-5596 or mayelin.quintero@pacecenter.org for more information on how you can help. You can also find a list of needed supplies on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PaceCenterPolk. Pace Polk is located at 101 West Main Street, Suite 140 in Lakeland.
 

Play a part in ensuring that students start the year off with the supplies they need, by participating in the 2015 Stuff the Bus campaign.
 
Join us in donating new school supplies at the Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc.
Stuff the Bus sign 1 7-20-15 (2)

 
Stuff the Bus is Central Florida’s largest back-to-school campaign. The goal of this organized community effort is to collect new school supplies to distribute to public elementary schools in an effort to help students and families who cannot afford to purchase the supplies on their own.
 
The Lakeland Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the area campaign they first began in 2001, marking its fourteenth year in Lakeland.
 
The Club will deliver the collected supplies to 28 public elementary schools within the city on Wednesday, August 19.
 
Traditional school supplies such as pens, pencils, wide rule paper, folders with prongs, crayons, markers, backpacks, glue, and erasers are needed as well  as copy paper, facial tissue, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags, and pencil boxes.
 
Bring your purchased school supplies to the LRC office located at 1628 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland between 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Fridays by Monday, August 10. You’ll find a large “Stuff the Bus” box waiting to be filled in the lobby.
 
The young students in need will appreciate your donation, and we know you’ll feel good about participating.
 
Join us in this effort to help area students boost their self-esteem and start the school year off on the right foot!
 
Related posts: Stuff the Bus for Students in Need
 

The 2015 sales tax holiday will begin on Friday, August 7, 2015 and continue through Sunday, August 16, 2015. That’s right! This year’s tax-free holiday will last for ten days, allowing shoppers ample time to purchase the products they’ll need for the upcoming school year without paying sales tax.
 
Capture
 
As with the extended length of the tax-free period, other changes will take effect this 2015 holiday.
 
Clothing and certain accessories up to $100 each will apply, while shoes are also eligible, but must cost no more than $100 per pair. Certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, such as pens, pencils, folders, and calculators will be eligible, but items such as staplers and computer paper will not be included. The first $750 of the sales price for computers and certain computer-related accessories (purchased for noncommercial home or personal use) will also be eligible.
 
For those who prefer online shopping to in-store shopping, eligible purchases through the Internet during the sales tax holiday will also be exempt.
 
While the stores will participate, the ten-day tax holiday does not apply to theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, and airports.
 
For more on tax exempt items and qualifying purchases, please visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s site at http://dor.myflorida.com/Pages/default.aspx.