Ways to Help Dunedin Kids Going Back to School

Going back to school can be expensive for many. 

Several Dunedin organizations understand and are mobilizing to help offset costs for area families and students in need.

Here's what we found:

The Backpack Lady Project is collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies. This non-profit, in its third year, began as Dunedin resident Rob Ditro's living tribute to his deceased mother Phyllis Ditro, who used to anonymously donate backpacks to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School each year. All donations to The Backpack Lady Project are personally delivered to schools in the Dunedin and Clearwater area. They can be dropped off during business hours or mailed to 501 S. Paula Dr., Dunedin, FL 34698.

San Jose Elementary's Autism iPad Donation Program is continuously accepting donations of outdated Apple iPads, iPod Touches and iPhones for students in the Autism Spectrum Disorder classes to use in classes and at home. Specially-designed, early education apps for children with autism are installed to help with speech communication, math, social skills, and behavioral intervention. The devices have significantly reduced tantrums and behavioral issues. Donations can be dropped off during school hours in the front office at 1670 San Helen Dr., Dunedin.

Here We Grow Foundation, a Dunedin organization serving disadvantaged children, is collecting backpacks and school supplies for its first back-to-school health fair and barbecue event, which is open to Dunedin and Pinellas families. The Aug. 31 event, noon to 3 p.m. at Here We Grow Learning Center, 1169 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., in Dunedin, includes free health screenings, a supply giveaway and food. Items of need are included in the organization's back-to-school wish list.

Dunedin Family Dentistry announced its annual backpack and school supply giveaway. This orthodontics, cosmetic and implant dentistry office led by Dr. Carver Little, has a limited number of free backpacks stuffed with school supplies for children in need on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. The office invites people to bring their kids for snacks, music and surprises. Call 727-787-4746, for more information. Location: 2213 Curlew Rd., Dunedin.

Not sure what to buy? Here's Pinellas County's school supply list. Also, Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday, Aug. 2-4, is a great time to buy. Here's the complete list of tax-free items.

Related Articles:

• Pinellas County Kids Go Back To School: What to Know
• Florida Tax Holiday Aug. 2-4: What to Know for Back to School Shopping