News Flash

DeLand, Florida – While the dog days of summer draw to a close, families across West Volusia are beginning to prepare for the upcoming school year. And the City of DeLand is here to help.

The 15th Annual Mayor’s Backpack Giveaway will kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 26 at Earl Brown Park, 815 South Alabama Avenue, offering a one-stop community event for school-aged children and their families. Though the event begins at 8 a.m., the line often begins forming before sunrise – a testament to the event’s growing impact and the needs it meets across West Volusia.

The initiative is funded and organized by the Spring Hill Community Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the City of DeLand and County of Volusia.

Each child present will receive a backpack (while supplies last). From there, families will have the opportunity to visit with our community vendors to collect school supplies, health resources and other essentials to help kids thrive in and out of the classroom.

Additional event highlights include: 

• Free health screenings
• Snow cones and light refreshments
• Access to educational and wellness resources 

“We believe every child deserves to start the school year with not just the right tools, but also the right support,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman “This event is about more than backpacks – it’s about hope, dignity, and community.”

For more information, contact the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center at 386-740-0808.