GIFFORD — For the past l2 years, local community organizers have made a dream come true for children and youth from Gifford and other underserved areas in Indian River County by providing backpacks filled with new school supplies.
Those backpacks have helped to prepare children school and create a positive new beginning to their school year. Previously held at the Gifford Youth Activity Center, this year’s “Back to School” drive will be held at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office due to the need for more space. The event will take place at 4055 41st St., Vero Beach on Saturday, July 3l, from l0 a.m. to noon.
“It will be a great day with music, food and face painting and that very special feeling all of us remember when opening a brand new box of crayons, a new backpack and the start of a new school year,” said Ananda Devi, The River Fund’s Feed Everyone Program Director.
County Commissioner Joe Flescher will open the event introducing Freddie Woolfork of the Gifford Youth Activity Center.
The l2th Annual “Back to School” is being coordinated by the Gifford Youth Activity Center, River Fund/Feed Everyone, By the River, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Visiting Nurse Association.
Festivities include booths for activities and product samples, healthy food and snacks, music, face painting and a fitness program called ZumbaWorks.
All donations are accepted and appreciated. Requested items include paper, tablets, pencils, pens, 3-ring binders, erasers, folders with pockets and monetary contributions. Backpacks will be given to students at all grade levels with the hope being there will be enough to give 300 to kindergartners through second grade, 200 to third through fifth graders, 250 for those in sixth through ninth grade and 50 for sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school.
Individuals and businesses may donate supplies at the following drop off locations:
Gifford Youth Activity Center
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
Indian River County North and South County Libraries
Gifford Church
Living Lord Lutheran Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Comcast Vero Beach
Eye Clinic of Vero Beach (Miracle Mile)
Christ by the Sea
Curves in Sebastian
Freddie Woolfork, Development Director at the Gifford Youth Activity Center said this is not only about distributing supplies, but also providing information about community services and encouraging literacy.
“Everyone comes together to help kids in our area. Parents want to give their kids the best and that’s not always possible,” he said. “We hope the kids are happy, the parents are happy and that the event is fantastic.”
For more information or to donate, please contact Ananda Devi at (772) 589-8334.
