BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – The City of Belleview has announced that it will kick off a school supply backpack drive, in partnership with Gregg Smith Automotive and benefiting students of Belleview Elementary and Belleview-Santos Elementary School, during its America250 Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

As part of the launch, Ocala Premier Inflatables, a vendor providing attractions for the America250 events, will donate a portion of the proceeds from every pass purchased to ride the mechanical bull or climb the rock wall, as well as $2 from every gem mining bag purchased.

School supply drive items requested

  • backpacks
  • notebooks
  • folders
  • loose-leaf paper
  • pencils
  • pens
  • crayons
  • colored pencils
  • markers
  • glue sticks
  • highlighters
  • scissors
  • pencil boxes
  • tissues
  • hand sanitizer
  • other classroom essentials

“Strong communities are built through strong partnerships, and this initiative is an example of what can happen when the City, local businesses, and community members work together for a common purpose,” said Robert Vass, community engagement liaison for the City of Belleview, in an annoucement. “We are incredibly grateful to partner with Gregg Smith Automotive and to Ocala Premier Inflatables for helping us kick off the campaign during our America250 Fireworks Celebration. Their support allows us to begin this drive in a fun, family-focused way while making a direct impact on students right here in Belleview.

“This program is about more than collecting supplies. It is about showing families that their community is behind them. When a student walks into school with a backpack full of the tools they need, it helps build confidence, removes barriers, and sends a message that they are supported.”

After the kickoff at on the Fourth, donors can drop off the much-needed school supplies at Belleview City Hall (5343 SE Abshier Blvd.) or Gregg Smith Automotive (6202 SE Abshier Blvd.) during weekday hours of operation starting Monday, July 6.

Belleview’s America250 Fireworks Celebration takes place at the Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th St., from 5-9 p.m. on the Fourth of July.