Marion County Public Schools will be kicking off another year of giving to homeless and needy students with "Mission: Bus Brigade - Supply Their Success".
This school supply drive is a summer-long program that asks the community to donate new school supplies, children's clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items or even financial contributions. The program provides these supplies to 29 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, eight high schools and an additional eight educational institutions in the school district.
Typically, a real school bus is driven to different community locations to receive community donations, but COVID-19 restrictions will not allow that this year.
Donations can be made by check payable to “Homeless/Needy Children Program” and mailed to Mission: Bus Brigade, c/o Homeless and Needy Children Program, Marion County Public Schools, 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala, Florida, 34471.
In previous years and through different versions, the campaign has generated over $500,000 in donations and merchandise, which have been distributed through the school district's Homeless and Needy Children Program and school counselors. Staples is a large contributor to this year's effort.
The initiative will also participate in the "Back to School Bash" with the Marion County Children's Alliance on July 31 from 10 to 1. The event will be held at the Friends Recycling Center located at 2350 NW 27 Ave., Ocala.
On Aug. 3, known as “Super Tuesday,” additional donations will be accepted at other Ocala locations.
Additional Locations
9 a.m. – County Commissioner Meeting (McPherson Government Complex)
10:30 a.m. – Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors® (3105 NE 14th St.)
11:30 a.m. – Staples (1901 E. Silver Springs Blvd.)
12:30 p.m. – Staples (Shady Oaks Shopping Center, SW State Road 200, Ocala)
1:30 p.m. – VFW Post 4781 (9401 SW 110th St.)