Annual Hastings Back-to-School Festival Provides Local Families with 250 Backpacks Filled with School Supplies

• 6 August 2026
• Category: Community Well-Being SJC News
• Tags: 2026

Annual event offers supplies, health services, and meals for local families

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department and Public Library System hosted the annual Team Up Hastings Back-To-School Festival on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the W.E. Harris Community Center, helping local families prepare for the upcoming school year with essential resources and services.

Children from the Hastings and Flagler Estates communities received 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to help them start the new school year. Additionally, attendees received free back-to-school physicals from UF Health St. Johns, immunizations from the Florida Department of Health, and enjoyed complimentary breakfast and lunch provided by Simon’s House.

“The Hastings Back-to-School Festival came to life when the Friends of the Library started providing school supplies to the community,” said Emily Fox, Program Coordinator at the Hastings Branch Library. “It has been amazing to see how this festival has grown with the support of Team Up Hastings, as well as our many partner organizations.”

A group of dedicated volunteers within St. Johns County and the local Hastings Community worked together to organize the materials provided and distributed by St. Johns County Parks Foundation and the Hastings Friends of the Library. During the day of the event, a large donation of supplies was delivered from Family Kia of St. Augustine.

“This event is successful because our community comes together to support local families,” said Tess Simpson, Community Program Manager for the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department. “Every partner, volunteer, and organization plays an important role in helping children begin the school year with the supplies, support, and confidence they need to succeed.”

The Back-to-School Festival was made possible through the support of St. Johns County Parks Foundation, Hastings Friends of the Library, UF Health St. Johns, the St. Johns County Health Department, The Simon’s House, the Rotary Club of Hastings, and other community partners serving families in the Hastings area.