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City proclaims July as 'Get Ready for Back to School' month; local nonprofits outline giveaways and events
Summary
The council read a proclamation recognizing back-to-school efforts and local nonprofits described upcoming giveaways and programs that provide clothing, backpacks and services to students.
St. Petersburg city officials on Thursday proclaimed July 2025 as "Get Ready for Back to School" month and recognized community organizations that run school supply and clothing drives.
Dr. Sharon Brown, director of Education and Youth Opportunities, read the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and invited nonprofit representatives to the dais. Multiple organizations described upcoming events and long-running programs: the Junior League of St. Petersburg said its 29th annual Care Fair will be held Saturday, July 26, at the Johnny Ruth Clark Center and has provided tens of thousands of backpacks and thousands of medical and dental exams over the years. Knight Riders Van Club, Clothes to Kids, Saturday Shops, Bay Vista Recreation Center and neighborhood associations also described giveaways on August dates and recurring neighborhood block parties that collect supplies for nearby Woodlawn Elementary.
Jennifer Jacobs, executive director of Clothes to Kids, said the nonprofit will serve more than 7,800 children this year and described the scope of clothing items distributed. Donnie Williams of the Knight Riders described 41 years of service and longtime backing of backpack drives. City staff and council members noted a range of dates and locations: the Knight Riders and several partners will host August 2 events at Tropicana Lot 1 and Bay Vista Recreation Center will hold a giveaway Aug. 2 with registration required (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Council members thanked volunteers and emphasized outreach so families can access services. Council Member Deborah Fig Sanders described operating two back-to-school events each year in the past to close gaps in supplies through the school year; Vice Chair Hanowitz and others highlighted neighborhood-based events and asked residents to help spread word of the giveaways.
Why it matters: The proclamation highlights ongoing public-private efforts to provide school supplies, clothing and health screenings to students and signals municipal recognition of the role of community groups in addressing resource gaps.
What—s next: City staff and nonprofit partners said they will continue outreach and volunteer recruitment for August distribution events and for the July 26 Care Fair.
