Staff provides for students in need
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s offices accepted donations from the public to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students in need.
A majority of the funds, $20,395.65 in total, was used to purchase back-to-school supplies. A smaller portion was used to assist in buying classroom supplies for teachers.
Each school received 75 completely filled backpacks and a check for $1,750 for the teachers to purchase supplies.
And, each school determined which students would benefit from the donated items.
Staff members from each office delivered the backpacks and school supplies to the principals and teachers at Rodney Cox Elementary, Chester Taylor Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Richey Elementary and Hudson Elementary schools.
This is the second year the tax collector’s offices have had its own charitable promotion for the sole purpose of assisting students who live and go to school near each office.
For information about the charitable programs, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at (727) 847-8179.
Free homecoming dresses
The Belle of the Ball Project will once again provide free homecoming dresses and accessories, to in-need high school girls, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its boutique at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater. Upcoming dates include Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20.
Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls.
No referral letter is necessary. No appointment is needed.
A small donation of $1 to $5 can be made, but is not required.
The project also will accept donations of dresses and accessories.
For information, call (877) 772-3553.
Early learning enrichment
Tinkergarten, an early learning enrichment program that focuses on nature and community, will host a free trial class Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m., at the Meadow Pointe III Community Clubhouse, 1500 Meadow Pointe Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Tinkergarten’s mission is to elevate childhood and bring families together in a natural place in the community for classes, where kids learn through play.
Each class will have expert-designed, outdoor play-based activities, and will include capabilities such as empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem-solving.
The classes are for ages 18 months to 8 years.
For information, email Charity Henesy-Brooks at .
College nights
Pasco-Hernando State College will host its annual College and Career Night on Sept. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Dade City campus, 36727 Blanton Road; and on Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road.
Representatives from PHSC, public and private colleges, universities, other educational institutions and the military will participate.
Prospective students can get information about admissions, financial aid and programs for post-secondary study.
Admission is free.
For information, visit PHSC.edu.
Looking for sponsors
Bexley Elementary’s PTO (parent-teacher organization) is planning to host a Movie Night on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m., for all students and their families, and is looking for a local business to help sponsor the event.
A donation of $500 will cover the cost of the blow-up screen and projector.
The movie will be free, including popcorn, and will be in the school’s cafeteria.
Families who would like to eat dinner, can buy pizza, a cookie and soda for $3.
Bexley also is open to ideas on sponsorship benefits. Some of these ideas include: the business/logo mentioned as a sponsor in all promotions leading up to movie night; a Thank You message with logo displayed on the screen prior to the movie; a table on-site with information about the business; and, the business could provide branded popcorn bags or could provide stickers to put on the bags.
For information, email Kathy Hrach at .
SAT/ACT boot camp
More than 50 local students can now get help with free SAT/ACT prep.
Scholarships are available to students from low-income families.
Andrea Catsicas, of Mindworks Prep, is offering the scholarships for eligible students to attend one of her Tampa area boot camps.
Local students currently on free or reduced lunch can apply.
There will be a one-day boot camp at the University of South Florida Alumni Center on Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For information and to apply, visit MindworksPrep.com.
