The annual Mission: Bus Brigade School Supply Drive has officially begun, marking the start of a community-wide effort to support students in need across Marion County. The event was launched at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 1, 2025, with Thomas Butler, the Homeless Liaison for Marion County Public Schools, leading the kickoff ceremony.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Marion County School Board and several county departments, all working together to gather essential school supplies for students who may otherwise struggle to afford them. With the back-to-school season quickly approaching, the timing couldn’t be better for this generous campaign aimed at ensuring every student starts the academic year equipped for success.

Throughout the entire month of July, members of the public are encouraged to donate much-needed supplies at any of the designated drop-off locations spread across the county. These donations will then be formally presented to the Marion County School Board during the August 5, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting.

What to Donate

A comprehensive list of requested items includes both traditional school supplies and essential hygiene products to support students’ overall well-being:

• Filler paper (wide and college ruled)
• Spiral notebooks (1, 3, and 5 subject varieties)
• Colored pencils and markers (both wide and thin)
• Erasers (preferably in cap form)
• Rulers
• Glue sticks
• Graph paper
• Zipper binders
• Blue and black pens
• Scissors (both blunt and pointed types)
• Index cards

• 2 wooden pencils

• Hygiene products
• Laundry detergent
• Elementary and character-themed backpacks
• Middle and high school backpacks
• Composition books (wide and college ruled)
• Pencil boxes (small and large sizes)
• Zippered pencil pouches
• 24-pack crayons
• Flash drives

Where to Drop Off Donations

To make it as convenient as possible for residents to contribute, multiple county departments have opened their doors as official drop-off points. These include:

• Administration & Commission Office – 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
• Animal Services – 5701 SE 66th St, Ocala, FL 34480
• Building Safety – 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
• Community Services – 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
• Extension Service – 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL 34470
• Human Resources – 521 SE 26th Court, Ocala, FL 34471
• Office of the County Engineer – 412 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
• Parks & Recreation Office – 111 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
• Utilities Office – 11800 SE U.S. Highway 441, Belleview, FL 34420
• Veterans Services – 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Unit 100, Ocala, FL 34470

Community involvement is key to the success of this drive, and organizers are counting on the generosity of local residents to help make a difference in students’ lives. Whether donating a single notebook or a full bag of supplies, every contribution plays a role in leveling the playing field for young learners.