Stuff that backpack at back-to-school events in Lake and Sumter counties
From all the shopping for clothes and uniforms to scheduling doctor appointments, filling out registration forms and meeting deadlines, back-to-school time can be more nerve-wracking for parents than it is for their kids.
The following free expos, fairs and bashes take the edge off with free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, shoes and more.
July 13 | Project Kid Connect Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
The Project Kid Connect Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway invites families from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 13 at the South Lake District Office,15855 State Road 50, Clermont. Children must be present and be Lake County students to receive a free backpack with supplies. Supplies are first-come, first-served. There will also be plenty of activities for all ages. Details: (352) 394-6661.
July 20 | Leesburg Back-to-School Bash
The Hope Coalition folks are bringing hope to stressed-out parents with their annual Back To School Bash for Lake County students, K-12, at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, students from 10 a.m. to noon (or until supplies last) on Saturday, July 20. Donations are still needed. Planned supplies, while they last, include spiral notebooks, graph paper, rulers, No. 2 pencils, pens, colored pencils, highlighters, loose leaf paper, sheet protectors, protractors, dividers, copy paper, sticky notes, index note cards, crayons and calculators. Free haircuts will be available, too.
Donations are still needed. Bring any of the new, unused items listed above at Church of the Lakes Admin Office, 913-1 Venture Ave., Leesburg, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Leesburg High School's lobby, 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg. Details: [email protected] or call 352-405-2825.
July 20 | The City of Wildwood & United Church’s Back to School fair
Here's an event that helps your kids with what to bring and wear. Register in advance to receive free shoes and backpacks at Wildwood and United Church's Back to School fair, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, July 20, at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road Wildwood. Register at the EventBrite page for details.
July 20 | 'Let's Get Physical' in Eustis
Young athletes can get a free sports physical in Eustis. Medical professionals will be providing exams from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 20, at the First Presbyterian Church, 117 S Center St, Eustis. Details: 352-357-2833, [email protected].
July 27 | Lake County Back-to-School Expo
Score free school supplies and engage in fun activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Lake Square Mall, 10401 US 441, Leesburg. Details: 352-787-1200.
July 27 | Backpack Bash and free haircuts in Tavares
Take your Lake County Schools students to Tavares' Backpack Bash, held in the gymnasium at Tavares High School, 603 N New Hampshire Ave., from 10 a.m. until the organizers run out of supplies on Saturday, July 27. The event is open to students attending school in Lake County and there is no charge for the event. For all grade levels — plus, lunch and haircuts are also provided. Details: 352-267-3029.
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July 30 | River Clermont Church Back to School Bash
This one's promoted as a "very special Tuesday evening with $10,000 in giveaways." Takes place from 6:45 to 9 p.m on Tuesday, July 30, at 3700 S US 27 Clermont. Register individual students and parents in advance on EventBrite.com.
July 27 | Backpacks and more in Mount Dora
Backpacks are available to the first 100 students who register. Lunch, haircuts, inflatables, carnival games and door prizes are available to everyone. Happy Camper Pediatrics will offer free school physicals. Takes place at First United Methodist Church, 439 E Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. Details: mtdorafumc.org, 352-383-2005.
Aug. 2 | Fruitland Park Library Back-to-School Bash
Enjoy a free hot dog lunch while stocking up on school supplies and bike helmets while they last. Vision and hearing screenings will be offered, and the kids can partake of face painting and other fun activities. It all happens from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 604 W. Berckman St. Check out the library's Facebook event page for updates.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Stock up on free school supplies at Lake-Sumter back-to-school events
