Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Generous Jefferson County seems to be going all out to ensure that students start the new school year well supplied, well dressed and excited. At least six different give-away opportunities are taking place in the weeks to come, offering everything from supplies for doing schoolwork, free haircuts, school uniform items, information about supportive community resources and more. Many of these events are not only for families with school-age children but also for community groups who have information to share and for anyone who has plenty to donate for those in need. For all the giveaways, the students are expected to be present to receive the items in person. Take a look at the lineup!
All summer: The Tigers Closet @ Jefferson K-12 School, located at 50 David Rd., is available for families in need of school uniform items and other clothing items. For more information about obtaining uniform items or donating them, contact Tosca Williams at tosca.williams@chsfl.org. She is the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Community Partnership School at JCS.
Saturday, July 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.: All God's Children Outreach Ministry holds its 9th Annual Back to School Giveaway at the Jefferson County Recreation Park, located at 1380 Mamie Scott Dr. A health nurse will be on site to answer questions and provide resources. Civic groups also are welcome to set up their tents/tables to share information of interest to families with school-age children. To pre-register a group or arrange a donation, call Willie Ann Dickey at (850) 519-1801 or email WillieAnnD@gmail.com.
Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Macedonia Church, located at 3093 S. Jefferson Hwy., offers a Back to School Bash with a giveaway of school supplies as well as access to their clothing closet.
Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 a.m.: Jefferson County native son, Sam Madison Jr., through his Madison Avenue for Kids Foundation, is sponsoring his annual free hair cuts to young men of early childhood and preschool through high school age, as well as a school supplies giveaway. This is a first come, first served event while supplies last. For more information, contact Kendrick Norton, Sr. at (850) 251-1606 or event coordinator Mary Madison at (850) 997-4504 or (850) 210-7090.
Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Jefferson County United Force, in partnership with Restored Glory Christian Center and others, holds their Annual Back 2 School Giveaway at the Winn Dixie Plaza, located at 1287 S. Jefferson St. United Force invites organizations to participate in the event by providing resources and information about services for health, wellness, finances, legal needs, etc. Donated school supplies and monetary gifts to help purchase supplies may be taken to Creative Moment Learning Center, located at 535 N. Wirick St. Donors may also arrange to have items picked up by calling Greg Cummings at (850) 510-7418 or Jamia Bradley at (850) 242-1560.
Saturday, Aug. 10, 1 – 4 p.m.: Girl Power Inc., under the leadership of JCHS Class of 2008 graduate Zanquisha Jones, has its 6th Annual Backpack Kickback event at the Jefferson County Recreation Park, located at 1380 Mamie Scott Dr. Enjoy fun activities, refreshments, backpacks of supplies, free haircuts and other give-aways. Anyone wishing to donate school supplies to fill student backpacks can contact Jones at (561) 654-5537.