Need school supplies in Alachua County? Here's where to find some local giveaways

Lillian Lawson, Gainesville Sun
·4 min read

School starts on Thursday, August 10 in Alachua County. If your soon-to-be student is still in need of supplies, there are a host of upcoming giveaways where you can find supplies for free.

Here are some of the upcoming events:

Backpacks fill tables to be given away to students during the People Against Violence Enterprises (PAVE) Stop The Youth Violence rally, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida.
Backpacks fill tables to be given away to students during the People Against Violence Enterprises (PAVE) Stop The Youth Violence rally, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida.

Saturday, July 29

Terrace Health and Rehab Back-to-School Backpack Drive

9-11 a.m. at the Terrace Health & Rehab Center - 7207 SW 24th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608

Backpacks will be handed for free out while supplies last.

More: It's time for Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday. Here's what you need to know

A giveaway from last year: Parents line up for back-to-school free giveaway

Saturday, August 5

Progressive Orthodontics Associates Newberry Back-to-School Bash

11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 1556 SW SR 45, Suite 2, Newberry FL 32669

This free event will have school supplies, face painting, food vendors and more.

Waldo Community New Vision Coalition Back-to-School Bookbag Giveaway

10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 13550 NE 148th Ave., Waldo, FL 32694

Free clothes and backpacks will be given away.

Willie Mae Stokes Community Center Back-to-School Bash

10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Willie Mae Stokes Community Center - 355 NW Eestalustee Ave., Micanopy, FL 32667

Free backpacks, supplies, food and more will be available at this event.

Williston Back-to-School Drive-Thru Bash

3-6 p.m. at Williston City Hall - 50 NW Main Street, Williston, FL 32696

Backpacks with school supplies, snacks and information will be first come first serve for students from Pre-K to college level. Students must be present to receive a backpack.

Free haircuts will be offered as part of the weekend-long event on Sunday, August 6 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Williston Middle High School Cafetorium (320 SW 12th Avenue, Williston, FL 32696).

Sunday, August 6

Alachua County Emerging Leaders (ACEL) Back-to-School Supply Drive

2-5 p.m. at 3850 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606

An Amazon Wishlist of what they need for the supply drive.

Deeper Purpose Community Complex Community Back to School Bash

9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Deeper Purpose Community Complex - 16779 NW US Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643

School supplies, backpacks and health and hygiene products will be provided for around 300 to 500 students.

Monday, August 7

High Springs Chamber of Commerce Back 2 School Giveaway

4-6 p.m. at High Springs Civic Center - 330 NW Santa Fe Blvd., High Springs, FL 32643

School supplies, gently used clothing and 500 backpacks will be given away. Free COVID testing and haircuts will also be available.

SW Advocacy Group (SWAG) Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

Date and time TBD. Registration closes July 27.

Pre-register by bringing proof of address and photo ID to the SWAG Family Resource Center - 807 SW 64th Ter., Gainesville, FL 32607.

Backpacks given out at a later date will be for students in grades k-12 living in SWAG neighborhoods only. More information can be found by calling (352)-505-6823.

Santiago Medina, 4, left, gestures towards mother Paula Gil as she opens his backpack while Gabriella Gil, 12, second from right, has her backpack opened by Maria Idarraga during a backpack giveaway hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County in Gainesville on Saturday.
Santiago Medina, 4, left, gestures towards mother Paula Gil as she opens his backpack while Gabriella Gil, 12, second from right, has her backpack opened by Maria Idarraga during a backpack giveaway hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County in Gainesville on Saturday.

Other notable back-to-school events and sales:

Florida Health Alachua County Back-to-School No Cost Vaccines

Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County - 224 SE 24th St., Gainesville, FL 32641

Appointments are required and can be made by calling (352)-334-7910.

The Repurpose Project School Supply Sale

July 18-30 at 1920 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609

Anyone can get 50% school supplies for two weeks, and teachers get an additional 25% off.

People Against Violence Enterprises, Inc. (P.A.V.E.) Stop the Violence Back-to-School Rally

July 29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Santa Fe College Gymnasium - 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606

The first 5,000 students in attendance will receive a free backpack with school supplies.

What to expect at this year's event: "#Ceasefire" will be the theme of this year's Stop the Violence Back to School Rally

Just Between Friends Back 2 School Sale

Presale: August 2, Public Sale: Aug. 3-5 at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center - 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, FL 32615.

Sale hours vary.

Shoppers can save up to 90% on baby and children items at this shopping warehouse. Tickets are required for entry and range from free to $40.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Alachua County supply events, giveaways for back to school