In the midst of summer it may be easy to forget that with the new school year approaching it is also time for back to school shopping. Back to school shopping can be stressful as it is, but especially when it is an added expense to those of us on a fixed budget. It is also very hard parents and children living with homelessness.

So, let’s take a load off and stuff our extras in the bus! That is, let’s join Marion County Public Schools Homeless Children and Youth Program and local Veteran’s organization in collecting and donating school supplies, clothing, shoes, and hygiene items for the homeless youth in our community.

Stop by any of the locations below to add some stuff to that bus! (All locations times are Saturdays from 9am-5pm unless otherwise noted)

-July 9- Walmart Easy Street, 2600 SW 19th Ave, Ocala

-July 16- Walmart SR 200, 9570 SW Hwy 200, Ocala

-July 23- Zumba™ for Stuff the Bus, Ward-Highlands Elementary, 537 SE 36 Ave, Ocala (10AM-12noon, $10 per person)

July 30- Walmart Silver Springs Shores, 34 Bahia Ave, Silver Springs Shores

Call 2-1-1 to find out about other locations providing and/or accepting free school supplies!

When to call you ask? ANYTIME!!

2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, text (text zip code to 898-211), and live chat.