SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Families in Seminole County are getting ready to head back to school in just over a week, and this year they’re getting more help from the community to ensure a successful start.
Thursday, more than 200 kids took part in a “Back to School Bash” at the Boys and Girls Club in Altamonte Springs. It’s the third year the event has come together with the help of the Seminole County Fire Department and Altamonte Springs Police Department, and organizers say this is the biggest one yet.
Every kid receives a backpack full of school supplies, which were gathered during donation drives this summer. There are also free meals provided by Action Church, haircuts, face painting, and games.
“It makes a big difference. It alleviates pressures for the families having to provide supplies for kids,” said Alicia Hodge, vice president of Development for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. “They’ve done an amazing job all of our partners: the police department, the fire department, FAIRWINDS, the city.”
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A recent survey suggests the average family will spend close to $900 on electronics, clothing, and supplies this year as costs rise due to inflation and looming tariffs.
“There’s always a need,” said Hodge. “We try to address the needs as they come, but obviously, you know, every year we find that there’s always something going on that will require our support.”
Data provided by Seminole County Public Schools shows there were 3,586 students experiencing homelessness enrolled during the 2024-25 school year. The district says the number continues to grow as families experience financial hardship with the rising costs in our community.
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This year, students at Stenstrom Elementary will have access to a clothing pantry named “Stenstrom Styles.” Our News 6 crew was invited to see the space as it was being built Thursday morning.
It’s a combined effort with IKEA Orlando, which donated the building supplies and designed the space.
Principal Robert Vanderloop said students will be able to get access to clothing they may need through a social worker.
“Our free and reduced numbers continue to tick up, and so we wanted to supply a clothing option for those families in need as well,” said Vanderloop.
Vanderloop said it will also serve as an extension of the school’s MicrOviedo student-led society.
“This will become part of that society where we’ll have commerce taking place, where we’re going to have students that are employees getting paid ‘micro bucks.’ There’s going to be shopping days for our students. And then, we’re also going to look at what that supply chain looks like for students as inventory comes in and out,” he said.