The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) held a back-to-school supply bash at East Ridge High School, Clermont, on Saturday, July 27^th. The 2^nd annual event is partnered with the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency (FCCD), Chapter 27. The FCCD is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of high professional standards for criminal justice agencies and criminal justice personnel. The mission of the organization is to foster interagency collaboration of all criminal justice entities, provide relevant training, and encourage community service throughout the state.

FDOC Sgt. Torry Terry outlines the annual event as a way to unite the community and help people during difficult times. Terry, who was instrumental in organizing the event, states that “we do this for the community and the kids with an effort of combating recidivism one backpack at a time.” The event included not only school supplies but free haircuts and children’s physicals provided by the FDOC hair team and Superior Health and Wellness.

Seven-thousand pounds of fresh food and produce, provided by Farm Share, was distributed during the event free of charge and no questions asked. Farm Share, founded in 1991, was created with an innovative idea to recover crops from Florida farmers to distribute fresh and nutritious food to Floridians in need. Food Share has been recognized as Florida’s largest independent food bank and is credited for saving millions of pounds of food from going to waste during its 33 years of existence. Dozens of cars lined up to take advantage of the nutritious opportunity as FDOC and East Ridge High volunteers graciously loaded bags of food into the vehicles of the drive-through giveaway.

The South Lake Florida Subvet Scholarship Foundation, a chartered chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI), was on-site to provide scholarship information to soon-to-be graduates or to the parents of little ones who have a few years to go before becoming eligible. Applications are also available through local high school guidance counselor offices. Applications must be submitted before June 30, 2025. The purpose of the USSVI, according to its chapter, is to perpetuate the memory of shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country so that their dedication, deeds, and supreme sacrifice may be a constant source of motivation toward the greater accomplishments, and to pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its Constitution. For further information, contact Foundation Administrator Timothy Blevins at Slffodn4@gmail.com. Electronic submissions of the scholarship application will not be evaluated.

FDOC Col. E.A. Graff would like to thank the numerous sponsors that made the event possible, including the staff at East Ridge High School that provided the location and volunteers. “We know that the economy is a little rough right now and we want to do our part in giving back a little bit by helping others in the community,” says Graff.

For community members who missed this  event, take note that the Mascotte Police Department, in partnership with Mascotte Charter School, will be hosting their 3^rd Annual Back 2 School Bash, Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 3^rd, from 12 -3 pm, while supplies last. The giveaways will take place at the Mascotte Charter School located at 460 Midway Avenue, Mascotte. Parents must be present with their child to receive supplies and backpacks. Contact the Mascotte Police Department at 352-429-3393 for further details.

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The event is hosted by Hands of Hope America and will include Free Haircut Vouchers, Goodie Bags, Backpacks, School Supplies, Food, Games, Activities and more!

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