ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — To celebrate this school year, skip the notebook bonfire and donate unused and new supplies to be used toward St. Pete's upcoming Backpack Giveaway event instead.
St. Pete is now accepting donations of new school supplies. These donations will go to students between kindergarten and eighth grade who may not have access to them.
The event is through the Bay Vista Recreation Center, where school supply drop-off will take place. People can donate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday until July 31, 2024.
Volunteers at the center will assemble 100 backpacks with various school supplies to give to students between the ages of 5-15 or kindergarten through eighth grade.
The center recommends donating:
- Backpacks
- Folders
- Notebook paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Glue sticks
- Rulers
- Scissors
There is no sign-up to donate.
The Backpack Giveaway event will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at the center. In addition to the giveaway, there will be bounce houses, music and free food for attendees. The event is free to attend and does not require registration.
To receive school supplies, you must register online between July 15 and Aug. 1. You can register here. Supplies are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Pinellas Education Foundation is also hosting its annual school supply drive.
Its website explains where and when summer drop-off events are, information on how to host your own drive, shop the foundation's Amazon wishlist and make monetary donations.