GOOD CAUSES: Formal wear for Polk teens available

The Ledger
·2 min read
Students with a Polk County school ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during homecoming festivities and receive free dresses and suits
Students with a Polk County school ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during homecoming festivities and receive free dresses and suits

FREE FORMAL WEAR FOR STUDENTS

UthMpact's Project HOCO provides formal wear to teens in Polk. Students with a Polk County school ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during homecoming festivities and receive free dresses and suits. Student Shopping Days for Project HOCO are scheduled for Saturdays, Oct. 1, 8 and 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Project Prom/Project HOCO store located in  Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 N. U.S. 98, in Lakeland (next to The Children’s Place). Community members can support this effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties and other accessories. Formal wear donations may be dropped off on the shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes for all donations. For more information, visit Facebook page Project Prom of Polk, website www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at 863-802-0777, samantha.barwig@inneractalliance.org.

BACK THE BLUE LUNCHEON

Bartow Ford Co. is hosting its seventh annual Back the Blue luncheon to honor local law enforcement. Law enforcement agents from around the county will be served a barbecue lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6, at the dealership. While the lunch is for law enforcement personnel only, the public is invited to stop by the dealership to show their support. For more information, contact Amy Sumerlin at 800-533-0425 or email amysu@bartowford.com.

TALBOT HOUSE BANQUET

Talbot House Ministries' “It’s Not Over” annual fundraising banquet takes place at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Sun ‘n Fun Skylight Hangar, 3985 Laird Blvd., Lakeland. Admission is free, but preregistration is required.  https://secure.qgiv.com/event/itsnotover/. The featured keynote speaker is Tyler Merritt, actor, comedian, viral sensation, and author of “I Take My Coffee Black.” In his address, “It’s Not Over: Grace, Love, and Being Bigger Than Our Mistakes,” Merritt examines timely topics and provides a roadmap for recognition, grace, hope and redemption, with plenty of laughter along the way. Also included is musical entertainment by Dylan Dames, a virtual silent auction, a three-course dinner, inspirational client testimonials and more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; a complimentary dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. An invitation will be presented to financially support the mission of Talbot House Ministries. Talbot House Ministries' virtual silent auction begins at noon Oct. 5 and closes at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13. The auction will be available to the public at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/itsnotover/. Auction items include gift baskets and packages from local businesses and handmade Talbot House cutting/charcuterie boards.

Send your good causes and photo (limit of five people in photo) to features@theledger.com, 

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: GOOD CAUSES