Back-to-School Community Give Back distributed thousands of backpacks; board recognized partners and volunteers

At the Aug. 26 meeting the Marion County School Board formally recognized community partners, volunteers and organizations that supported the 2025 Back-to-School Community Give Back. Staff said the July event distributed more than 6,000 backpacks at seven Marion County locations and, with additional efforts including Stuff the Bus and partner contributions, the outreach reached roughly 6,700 students.

Casey Griffith, director of community and government relations, told the board the backpacks were furnished with grade-level supply kits from name-brand vendors and that more than 1,000 bicycle helmets were professionally fitted for students. The event also provided food donations to more than 3,000 families and hosted more than 40 community partners and roughly 300 volunteers.

Colonel Hamm of the Military Officers Association recounted the organization’s long history of supporting local backpack drives and described Stuff the Bus, now a 501(c)(3), as providing year-round supplies for students in need. Staff said Stuff the Bus has distributed more than 87,000 pieces of school supplies so far this year.

Board members and district leaders thanked dozens of named partners for donations and volunteer time, including local nonprofits, businesses, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Fire Rescue and the College of Central Florida, among others.

A district representative asked partners and volunteers present to come forward for a photograph and a recognition ceremony; board members joined in thanking the volunteers and staff for their work to help students start the school year with supplies and dignity.