Families get a boost ahead of the new school year at Alachua County back-to-school rally

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Families across North Central Florida are preparing for the start of a new school year—an exciting time that can also bring major financial pressure. Community groups in Alachua County are working to ease that burden by providing free supplies and safety resources for students and parents.

In Alachua County, residents gathered for a “Stop the Violence Back to School Rally,” a recurring event now in its 27th year. The rally is organized by People Against Violence Enterprises, with support from local programs, and focuses on both school readiness and violence prevention.

Multiple local organizations attended to help families prepare for the school year. Supplies were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with organizers providing 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.

One parent, Lenea Edeady, said the support is meaningful for families as they head into the school year.

“Oh thankful, I’m thankful for the community doing this for the kids, providing magnificent gifts and good resources,” Edeady said. “Like bullying in school, they need to learn how to communicate with each other… jobs for the kids and families as parents.”

Throughout the rally, families also heard from community voices sharing safety and prevention guidance—encouraging residents to “see something, say something,” be proactive against violence, and foster support and care for one another.

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