Donation to help children in crisis
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Chapter of Association of Florida Colleges collected brand-new stuffed animals to deliver to first responders in Pasco and Hernando counties. PHSC employees and community members donated 285 stuffed animals, which were given to the Pasco and Hernando Sheriff’s Offices. First responders will use the donations for children in crisis situations, to help them calm down. From left: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office officers Sgt. Matt Lillibridge, Deputy Juan Perez and Deputy Deena Groves; and Samantha Apostolou, senior office assistant, Academic Success Center, and PHSC Chapter of AFC Spring Hill Campus representative.
Wiregrass Round-Up
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a “Freshman & New to Wiregrass Round-Up” on July 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Student drop-off begins at 8:45 a.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the teachers, tour the school, and create a freshman memory box to take home. A pizza lunch will be provided.
For more information and to register, visit WRHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.
Back-to-school fundraiser
Step up for Pasco Students! is a back-to-school fundraiser, sponsored by Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells; the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch Togetherhood Committee; educator, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim; and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Charities.
Every $10 donation buys a new pair of shoes for a child in need: The goal is 5,000 pairs.
Sponsorship levels also are available.
For information or to donate, visit bit.ly/2022ShoeDrive.
Backpack handout
Verizon retailers, TCC and Wireless Zone stores will be handing out backpacks full of school suplies, to help students prepare for the upcoming school year and to help parents reduce their supply spending.
Participating stores will be giving out backpacks on July 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last.
In addition to getting a backpack filled with supplies, students also can be entered into a sweepstakes to win a $10,000 college scholarship through the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway’s Big Impact. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible for entry. A total of five scholarships will be randomly awarded to select winners.
These local stores will be handing out backpacks: In Lutz, 18959 State Road 54. Call 813-949-0999; and in Wesley Chapel, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 190. Call 813-991-7202.
Stuff the Bus
The Pasco Education Foundation is looking for community partners, businesses and individuals to help “Stuff the Bus” on Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the foundation’s Wise Supplies Center, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Portable 30, in Land O’ Lakes.
The needed supply list includes: copy paper; primary paper and journals; highlighters; washable markers; sharpies; dry erase markers and erasers; gel pens and erasable pens; scientific calculators; batteries; Clorox wipes; laminating pouches; lunch boxes; construction paper; scissors (all sizes); velcro dots; bandaids; Ziploc bags (all sizes); graph paper; recess equipment; and No. 2 pencils.
For information, call 813-794-2705, visit PascoEducationFoundation.org/wisesupplies/, or email .
Volunteers needed
AdventHealth Center Ice is looking for volunteers for the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, Aug. 1 through Aug. 6.
Available opportunities include: spotlight operators; performer check-in; registration assistance; and assistance with performers on and off the ice.
Necessary training will be provided prior to the event.
Students can receive applicable volunteer hours for the Bright Futures program.
For information, visit tinyurl.com/2j66krk4.
Sewing for home-schoolers
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will offer Homeschool Sewing for Beginners on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for ages 9 and older.
All supplies will be provided. Participants can create a needle book, using basic sewing tools, and practicing simple skills such as measuring, cutting, straight stitch and backstitch.
Safety and waiver forms are required. A guardian/parent must complete the form for anyone under the age of 18. Forms can be picked up at the service desk before the class.
Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.
National pilot program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is among 15 of the country’s leading community colleges selected for the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Entrepreneurial College of the Future national pilot program, according to a news release.
The new initiative harnesses teams of three leaders at each college who will work together and with other colleges to tackle challenges and opportunities in their campus and local communities.
PHSC representatives will be Lisa Richardson, associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director, PHSC Foundation; Jim Myers, assistant professor and program director of business; and Sonia Thorn, assistant vice president of academic affairs, marketing and communications.
Through the collaboration, a group of leading experts in ideation, fundraising, student and employee engagement, and workforce development will identify the best innovative practices that will be shared through NACCE’s network of colleges reaching over 4 million students, the release said.
