ORANGE PARK – A pair of significant back-to-school events will benefit thousands of students who will return to the classroom on Aug. 11.

It starts with the Back to School Bash at the Thrasher-Horne Center on July 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the Stuff the Bus event at Staples, 2285 Kingsley Ave., on Aug. 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Last year’s Back to School Bash, organized by Seeds of Love Outreach and Saved to Serve, attracted 2,533 students – an increase of more than 800 compared to the figures reported in 2023.

Children from all grade levels were provided with 1,600 free book bags filled with school supplies, 1,440 breakfast sandwiches, new shoes, 655 bags of clothes and food pantry supplies.

It also included more than 40 community partners, featuring vendors for bottled water and information on various services, according to Michael Poweleit of Seeds of Love.

“Haircuts and medical exams were also provided, along with other services from community resources,” Poweleit said after last year’s event.

 Clay County District Schools also helped parents with back-to-school information.

“I’m here at this event and always amazed at the Clay County community,” said Superintendent David Broskie. “Education is the ultimate team sport and requires everyone’s involvement.”

The Stuff the Bus event provides the opportunity to donate much-needed school supplies, not only to help underserved students but to alleviate the financial burdens placed on teachers.

Through Aug. 1, the United Way of Northeast Florida, Impact Clay, Clay Education Foundation and First Coast News are coming together once again to help students and teachers in Clay and Duval counties.

According to the organization, the annual initiative supports local classrooms, teachers and students in need. By making a personal donation or hosting a school supply drive, you and your team can make a meaningful impact – helping ensure every student starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

It is estimated that nearly 40% of households in Northeast Florida struggle to afford necessities. More than one-third of residents live in or near poverty. By donating as an individual or organizing a school supply drive with Stuff the Bus, you can directly address this issue.

Locally, contributions support the Clay County Education Foundation, which assists 47 public and private schools and serves more than 40,000 students.

Company teams, friends, families, worship groups, book clubs and sports teams are invited to rally and make a big impact on students. There are several ways to help, like:

• Hosting a school supply drive. Register your group at unitedwaynefl.org/stuffthebus to get tips, promotional graphics and ideas for a successful drive.
• Start a virtual fundraiser. After registering, invite your group to donate funds.
• Donate directly to Stuff the Bus by texting “classrooms25” to 30306 or by visiting fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ilJBvQ?vid=1kghet through Sept. 30.
• To drop off supplies during the event on Aug. 1, the bus will be in the parking lot for 12 hours. Pull up and open your doors or pop your trunk, and a volunteer will do the rest.
• To volunteer for the event, register at uwnefl.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1108689.
• Supplies needed: crayons, colored pencils, scissors, copy paper, glue, markers, composition books, notebook paper, index cards, highlighters, permanent markers, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, tissue boxes, paper towels, blue, black and red ink pens, pencil boxes and pouches, earbuds and headphones and three-prong folders with pockets.

You can also shop by visiting Stuff the Bus’s Amazon List on the Clay Education Foundation’s Amazon page.

In addition to school supplies, residents could get free food from food pantries.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE