Grab a backpack, get info on community resources and help a nonprofit Saturday in West Volusia

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
A student holds onto her new school supplies in DeLand at the annual Mayor's Backpack Giveaway at Earl Brown Park in 2021.
A student holds onto her new school supplies in DeLand at the annual Mayor's Backpack Giveaway at Earl Brown Park in 2021.

Multiple events aimed at helping residents will take place Saturday in West Volusia.

Interested in attending? Here's what you need to know:

Mayor's Backpack Giveaway in DeLand

The free annual event — a joint effort of the city, the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center and several additional community partners — will take place from 8-10 a.m. at the amphitheater in Earl Brown Park, 815 S. Alabama Ave.

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Once in line, the student, or a parent, receives a ticket to exchange for one of the backpacks, 1,000 of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, Shilretha Dixon, director of the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center, said. The student, or parent, may then fill the backpack with free school supplies.

The event also includes:

  • Refreshments and snacks.

  • Free immunizations for children in kindergarten through seventh grade.

  • Free blood-pressure, glucose and HIV testing.

  • A couple of dozen health-related vendors.

Community Services Day in Deltona

The city is teaming up with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the Council on Aging and Deltona Strong for the free event at The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., from 8 a.m. to noon.

Residents can get free health screenings, such as testing for HIV and diabetes, and information on other health services, as well as career counseling, free legal aid and more.

Organizations interested in participating may register at deltonacares.org.

Backpack Buddies fundraiser in Orange City

The nonprofit, which works to provide food for children and families in need, is hosting a ticketed event to raise funds to support the organization's mission.

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"Night to End Hunger – Volusia" takes place from 6-10 p.m. at DeLand Motorsports and Outdoors, 1420 N. Volusia Ave. Parking is available at Advanced EmUrgent Care at 1639 N. Volusia Ave., and a shuttle will be available.

Tickets are $100 per person for the casino-themed event with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Backpack Buddies; black and white attire is requested.

The event includes hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, silent and live auctions, games and more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit backpackbuddiesoc.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Back to school, community events in DeLand, Deltona, Orange City