Need school supplies or want to donate? This is where you want to be

As the new school year approaches, the scramble for school supplies begins. Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to be just pencil and paper stock up. Here are some opportunities to get free supplies, health screenings, and to donate to families and teachers in need. Students return to public school in Miami-Dade County on Aug. 20.

Back-to-school events

Safe Summer Back to School Health Fair

What: The city of Miami is hosting a back-to-school health fair to give families access to free health-related information and screenings. Free backpacks and school supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where: 1350 NW 50th Street, Miami, FL 33142

When: Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

More information at: 305-467-5852

Family Fun Day and Education Enrichment Resource Fair

What: The North Miami Public Library is hosting a day of story time for kids, visits by popular storybook characters, crafts, games, prizes, music, and food. There will also be a resource fair providing back-to-school workshops for parents and a school supply giveaway. A donation of 500 backpacks filled with school supplies is expected. Breakfast will be served.

Where: North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132nd St., North Miami, FL 33161

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

More information: Family Fun Day: 305-891-5535 and www.northmiami.gov/library; Education Enrichment Resource Fair: 305-895-9815.

Health & Safety Expo

What: Commissioner Joe A. Martinez and South Florida health organizations have partnered to provide medical screenings, safety tips, and back-to-school supplies. There will be free glucose, blood pressure, BMI, and cholesterol health tests, as well as school immunizations. You must bring immunization records. Kids should be accompanied by a parent. Register here.

Where: Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, FL 33165

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

More information: 305-552-1155

Operation Back to School

What: Toys for Kids Miami is giving away free backpacks, school supplies, and fresh food to hundreds of kids

Where: Toys for Kids Miami Foundation, 10181 NW 58th St. in Doral

When: Sunday, Aug. 5, 1-5 p.m.

More information at: www.toysforkidsmiami.org/

Back-to-School Bash and Resource Fair

What: The city of North Miami is accepting donations for its annual back-to-school fair. There will be music, games, kid-friendly activities, and a resource fair showcasing helpful services offered in North Miami.

Where: The Joe Celestine Center, 1525 NW 135th St., North Miami

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

More information: 305-895-9815

Back to School Fun Day Book Bag and Health Fair

What: Miami-Dade County Commission Vice Chair Audrey Edmonson will provide free vision exams, dental screenings, haircuts and a book bag giveaway. Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures will give free dental exams to kids 12 and under. Parents should fill out a consent form for their children, available at www.miamidade.gov/district03/ and at Edmonson’s district office at 5400 NW 22nd Ave., Suite 710, Miami.

Where: Olinda Park, 2101 NW 51st St., Miami

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

More information: 305-636-2331

Supplies for teachers

What: Teachers can find much-needed classroom supplies at the Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials, a warehouse and distribution program that accepts donations of school supplies and educational materials. Teachers can shop for free twice each school year. To sign up for a visit or donate, visit EducationFund.org.

More information: 305-558-4544 and EducationFund.org

Fundraising

Back to School Bash

What: Branches is hosting a fundraiser to raise money for low-income families in need of supplies for the upcoming school year. Guests can pack a backpack with supplies for a student at the event. A $35 donation reserves a spot. Donations can be made at Branchesfl.org/back2schoolbash/. Food and drinks will be served.

Where: Lennar Foundation Medical Center Rooftop Terrace, 5555 Ponce de Leon Blvd in Coral Gables

When: Aug. 9, 6-8 p.m.

More information: yhernandez@branchesfl.org and 305-442-8306, ext 1010.

This story was originally published July 26, 2018 at 5:13 PM.