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The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) have launched their annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive, aiming to give students in Okaloosa and Walton Counties the tools they need to start the school year strong.
From July 1 through August 4, ECCAC will collect classroom essentials, including pencils, paper, crayons, and notebooks, at its Niceville and DeFuniak Springs centers, as well as at participating businesses and churches across Destin, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and other area communities.
For the third year in a row, Intuitive Research and Technology in Niceville jumpstarted the campaign with a $1,000 donation and 100 backpacks.
“We are asking people to support our community by helping ECCAC fill the backpacks,” said ECCAC CEO Julie Porterfield. “We need donations and volunteers to help us sort and distribute supplies so they reach the students who need them most.”
Donors can also shop from an Amazon Wishlist, with items shipping directly to ECCAC. All supplies will be distributed before the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
While ECCAC does not house children, the nonprofit provides advocacy, therapy, and prevention education at no cost to local families. In 2024, ECCAC reached over 17,000 students with prevention programming and provided services to 1,585 children recovering from abuse or neglect. This year, its CARES program continues to expand family-focused support across the region.
Visit www.eccac.org/back-to-school-campaign for drop-off details, the Amazon Wishlist, and information on how to donate or volunteer. To get involved directly, contact Kate McDougall-Mason at kate@eccac.org or 530-392-0802.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
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