Tag Archive for: Stuff the Bus

It’s almost school time again!
Find 2017 back-to-school bashes, health fairs and donation drives in Polk County below.
 
Back to School Freepik
Graphic: Freepik
 

Upcoming Dates

Student orientation: Tuesday, August 8
First day of school for students: Thursday, August 10
 
Tax-free holiday: August 4-6
 

Bashes

Back 2 School Bash
When: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Oakland Gymnasium, 915 Ave. E, Haines City
What: Stop by this back-to-school event featuring speakers and a guest appearance by Smart Mouth’s Jason Alexander as well as free haircuts, backpacks and food.
Contact: Unity in the Community Central Florida, Dr. Charles Anderson, 863-438-2758, canderson@trinityicc.com
 
Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, July 29, 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, educational exhibitors and children activities.
Contact: 863-298-7898, borisrodriguez@polk-county.net
 
Life Church Backpack Outreach
When: Saturday, July 29, 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
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m.-1 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 morning.
Contact: Alicia Brown, 863-298-5666
 
Back to School First Friday
When: Friday, August 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Join the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, MidFlorida & Southeastern 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- Clothing Kids in Our Community
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Auburndale Community Gym, 405 Bennett Street, Auburndale
What: Stop by for free basic back-to-school haircuts, a one-week food supply giveaway, a dunk tank, games, bounce houses and more!
 
Back to School Block Party
When: Saturday, August 5, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Spence Park, NE 1st St., Mulberry
What: This event is sponsored by Mulberry’s local churches and hosted by the City of Mulberry. Enjoy free food, a basketball tournament, a corn hole tournament, live music, inflatables and more. Backpacks will be distributed at 4pm for those who have pre-registered at the Mulberry Community Center. Stick around for the night swim happening at the Mulberry Community Pool directly after.
Contact: 863-393-8166
 
IMB Back to School – Color Your Life
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Iglesia Manatialde Benndicion, 704 McLeod Ave., Haines City
What: This event will feature face painting, crafts, games, music, a girls beauty workshop, snacks, free backpacks (first come, first serve and must be present), special guest Marilita and more.
Contact: 863-422-3106
 
Lake Alfred Library Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 5, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Lake Alfred Public Library, 245 Seminole Drive, Lake Alfred
What: Get ready for school with the Lake Alfred Library. Win some school supplies, have dinner and get raffle tickets.
Contact: 863-291-5378
 
New Horizon’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: New Horizons Church Baptist Church, 11930 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland
What: Stop by to meet local law enforcement, the Fire Marshal, FHP, etc. as well as to enjoy music, bounce houses, food, games and receive free school supplies.
Contact: 863-858-5865
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: RP Funding Center: George Jenkins Arena, 701 Lime Street, 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: Harvest Assembly of God: 863-682-7000. The Lakeland Center: 863-834-8100
 
City of Winter Haven’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 12, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven Recreation and Culture Center Pool, 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven
What: School is in session, and we are making a big splash about it. Join the City of Winter Haven for a free family event for school-age children (6-17) for a day of games, food, music and bounce houses at the Winter Haven Recreation and Culture Center Pool.
Contact: 863-291-5656, specialevents@mywinterhaven.com
 
Free Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 19, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Eagle Ridge Mall, 451 Eagle Ridge Dr., Lake Wales
What: Join the Eagle Ridge Mall for free family fun and great giveaways, including school supplies and gift cards.
Contact: 863-676-2300
 

Health Fairs

Back To School Health Fair
When: Saturday, July 29, 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. Don’t miss this free Back-to-School Health Fair combining health and safety education with fun for the whole family including:
– 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
 

Donation Drives

 
Back to School Clothing Drive
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Top Buttons Upscale Boutique, 236 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
What:All donated clothes will benefit the girls we serve in our Wearing Confidence Program. Clothes can be dropped off either at the Top Buttons Boutique or Viva Vitality.
Some items we would suggest for girls ages 11-18 are:

  • Solid color crew neck shirts
  • White/navy/red polo shirts
  • Khaki/navy pants, skirts, and shorts
  • Denim pants and shorts
  • Belts
  • Solid color zip-up hoodies
  • New white socks
  • Sneakers or close-toed shoes

Contact: 863-450-4060
 
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: Through Sunday, July 30 at Victory Church (1401 Griffin Rd.)
Lakeland: LkldTV Through end of July their office
Lakeland: Through August 2 at the Wednesday, Lakeland Chamber (35 Lake Morton Drive)
Lakeland: August 2, 7-8:30 a.m., Hall Communications (404 West Lime Street)
Bartow: Through Friday, August 18 at the Bartow Chamber
 
 

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.)
 
 

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