Giving Back

Back 2 School event to offer supplies, resources for families at Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center

Nearly 30 local businesses and organizations will provide backpacks, school supplies and community resources at the Aug. 1 event.

Jared Williams

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Nearly 30 local businesses and organizations are coming together for a Back 2 School community event on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center.

The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 132 Jet Drive NW, is open to students in grades K through 12. Parents are also encouraged to attend.

Organizers say the event goes beyond a backpack giveaway. Families will be able to pick up backpacks and essential school supplies while supplies last, connect with tutoring and educational resources, learn about scholarship opportunities and explore mentorship programs for middle and high school students.

Health information, screenings and mental health resources will also be available. Parents can find housing resources and information for first-time homebuyers.

The event will feature pizza, snacks, cotton candy, popcorn and music from a live DJ throughout the day.

OneBlood’s Big Red Bus will be on site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept blood donations. All donors will receive a $25 eGift card, a Big Red Bus T-shirt and a wellness checkup that includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening. Appointments are encouraged. Donors can visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 79668.

Organizers are also accepting donations of new backpacks and school supplies. Donations can be dropped off with Pat Sherman at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center. The phone number is 850-833-9576.

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