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Welcome to the WBF Community Calendar. This page is designed to post announcements of events around the Polk County area.
The announcements are listed according to the date of the event, current events at the top.
Click here, If your club or organization would like to post an announcement on this page.
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Toys for Tots of Polk County
The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program of Polk County is pleased to announce the 2020 campaign will get underway on October 1, 2020. This year, we will continue with the online application process available for individual families and non-profit groups serving over 25 families. In 2019, due to the generosity of Polk County residents, businesses, and volunteers, the Toys for Tots program provided new toys to over 14,248 needy children in Polk County.
By using our website http://polkcounty-fl.toysfortots.org, residents can request a toy, sign up to volunteer, host a Toys for Tots event, and businesses can request a drop box for toy donations. Our website allows the information to be viewed in any language.
The registration period for single-family requests for toys will be from October 1, 2020 to November 15, 2020. Applicants will receive up-to-date emails with information on their application and information on distribution sites. The distribution of the toys for single-families will be held at locations throughout Polk County on December 12, 2020. Families will be required to bring documentation to the distribution sites to show they qualify for the toys. The current qualifications are:
- Parent / Guardian and child must be a CURRENT Polk County Resident.
- Child(ren) must be between 0 to 13 years of age.
- Parent / Guardian must be able to prove they are currently receiving Medicaid, food assistance (SNAP or WIC), or cash assistance (TANF). If the parent / guardian has recently become unemployed, proof must be provided.
Note: Children participating in any other local community, faith-based organization, church, or school program receiving toys should not request toys through the Toys for Tots Program. We endeavor to make sure all children with needs in the community receive toys for Christmas.
The second option is for non-profits with over twenty-five families. The non-profit application period will be from November 16, 2020 to December 1, 2020. Non-profits must supply a Federal Tax Identification number.
We are excited about the 2020 campaign. We are looking for volunteers throughout the county to assist with our work in our warehouse. Also, volunteers are needed with our toy drop boxes. Volunteers assist in delivering the toy drop boxes to the businesses and then manage the pick-up of toys and delivery to our warehouse.
Road race at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) during the 46th annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.
The race will begin on the Terminal Ramp as the start line is flanked by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. During the run you will be able to witness the launching of over twenty (20) hot air balloons.
Come join us for one of the most unique 5K race course in Florida on October 3, 2020!
Register at: https://www.athlinks.com/event/lakeland-airport-sun-n-run-5k-308359
**New Date! Friday, December 4th!*** On December 4, 2020, the Polk State College Foundation will once again present a sporting clays event, previously known as Clays for Courts, and re-named in 2019 as the John R. Alexander Memorial Clays Classic. This event, presented by Regal Lakeland in partnership with The A.D. Morgan Corporation, benefits the Polk State athletics program.
John R. Alexander (1936 - 2018) served on the Polk State College Foundation Board of Directors from 2008-2012. He recommended a sporting clays fundraiser to secure new donors and assist students. Since 2012, Clays for Courts has raised more than $100,000 and introduced hundreds of new supporters to the Foundation. We are thankful to his family for allowing us to pay tribute to him by continuing to help students through the renaming of Clays for Courts to the John R. Alexander Memorial Clays Classic.
Please join us at Polk Sporting Clays, located at 5000 Firetower Road in Haines City.
The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with a breakfast, followed by a 50-target sporting clays shoot. Immediately following the shoot is a steak luncheon and the awards presentation. Ammunition, meals, and gifts are provided as part of individual and team sponsorship.
For additional information, please contact the Polk State College Foundation at 863.297.1071 or email Kristie Peneguy.
City of Bartow Customers Urged to Sign Up for Emergency Notification System
Bartow citizens are urged to sign up for a new notification service from the city to keep citizens informed in emergencies.
The new phone and email service will provide customers with important information in a timely manner. Customers can sign up through the city’s website www.cityofbartow.net or by calling the city’s customers service department at 863-534-0188.
The system will be used for emergency alerts, community alerts and other urgent communication. For example, it is expected to be used to share information on major power outages or significant weather events. The messages will be important information that needs to be communicated quickly and widely for public safety.
Frank Canovaca, the city’s director of information technology, said customers need to opt in to the system by providing their contact information. “If your phone number is not in the database, we will not be able to contact you,” he said.
All individuals and businesses are urged to log on to www.cityofbartow.net and follow the link to the “SmartNotice Community Notification Enrollment” page. Each customer will want to enter their first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone number and any additional phone numbers.
The easy way to sign up is with a text. Just text BartowAlerts as one word to the number 99411. Again, text BartowAlerts as one word to 99411.
“SmartNotice allows geographically based message delivery,” Canovaca said, “which means street addresses are required to ensure notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for cell phones, but we need to have an associated street address to provide geographic-relevant messages.”
SmartNotice gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for inputting information. The data collected will only be used for notification purposes.
Questions about the new emergency notification system should be directed to Bartow Customer Service at 863-534-0188.
Monitor and protect your personal information by registering for Property Alert.
Once you register for the free service, you’ll receive email alerts when documents are filed in our office using your name and/or property information. Find out more at Polk County Property Alert.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Meals on Wheels needs drivers to deliver hot meals to seniors throughout Polk County. Kitchen volunteers are also needed to help package the meals.
The Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals to approximately 315 homebound residents.
Service areas include Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale, Haines City and Davenport. Volunteers may choose to work from one to five days a week. For information call 863-299-1616 or visit www.mealsonwheelspolk.com or facebook.com/mealsonwheelspolk.
VISTE's Volunteers
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly is a community-based non-profit organization that was started Lakeland since 1983.
VISTE’s primary goal is to help frail senior citizens continue living independently and safely in their own home. VISTE is a United Way agency.
VISTE, which is a United Way agency, works with schools, churches, civic groups, local corporations and individuals.
To volunteer, attend one of VISTE’s monthly orientations. A volunteer application can be found at http://viste.org/become-a-viste-volunteer.
For more information, call 863-284-0828 or email info@viste.org.
L.E.A.P - Emergency Notification Program for Residents Age 55 and up
Do you have a loved one, age 55 or older, living independently in Lakeland? Encourage them to sign up for Lakeland’s Elderly Assistance Program (LEAP) to ensure you are notified in case of an emergency that involves first responders. This voluntary program is designed to provide a quick resource to public safety entities so they can easily contact family members in case of an emergency.
How Does the Program Work?
First, complete a registration form. Forms are available online at http://www.lakelandgov.net/lpd/special-svcs/community-services-section/leap-lakeland-elderly-assistance-program or you can call the number below and request a form be mailed to you. Registration will include requests for emergency contact information. A member from the Lakeland Police Department will enter the information into the LEAP database, making the information accessible only to first responders. Once the resident is registered they will receive a small sticker to be placed in a visible location on the front window or door with a unique identification number. The sticker will immediately notify first responders to check the LEAP database for additional information should an emergency situation occur.
If you have additional questions regarding the LEAP program, call 863.834.6912.
SPCA of Lakeland
Each month SPCA Florida provides over 200 pets in the community with supplemental pet food and supplies through its Ani-meals program. Due to increasing community need, SPCA Florida is asking the community for donations of cat food and litter. Donations can be dropped off at 5850 Brannen Road South in Lakeland, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit spcaflorida.org or call (863) 646-SPCA for more information.
The SPCA, Inc. in Lakeland is in desperate need of cat litter. Any type of cat litter is welcome. Donations can be dropped off from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information, call the SPCA at 863-646-7722.
New Hazardous Waste Collection Program Available for Small Businesses
Polk County businesses that produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can properly dispose/recycle it the third Wednesday of each month by appointment-only at the North Central Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The first collection day will take place February 16.
Quotes will be based on the quantity and types of waste materials to be disposed/recycled. Participants must complete a registration form and inventory sheet and may need an onsite inspection prior to participating. Waste materials being collected include: paint, solvents, waste ink, fluorescent lamps, used oil, antifreeze and other hazardous waste.
For more information, paperwork and appointment schduling, visit www.polk-county.net or Contact Andrea at (863) 284-4319 ext.203, andreastermer@polk-county.net.
The North Central Landfill is located at 5 Environmental Loop South in Winter Haven.
Viewing of Adoptable Pets
The Polk County Sheriff's Office, in an effort to help adopt out as many eligible animals as possible, has added a new
feature to their website www.polksheriff.org. The link, located
at the bottom of the home page, is titled "Animal Services Section".
The "Pet Harbor" is a brand-new feature offering viewers a searchable database of adoptable pets, in and out of Polk County.
Customers can select whether they are looking for a dog or a cat, an age range, a gender and even a size. Photos of the animals
are available at the click of a button, and are updated on a routine and timely basis.
The section also has a wealth of information such as laws, rabies, spaying/neutering and is very user-friendly.
American Red Cross
The Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering Community Disaster Education presentations to the community, free of charge. The Community Disaster Education program teaches people how to prepare themselves, their families and their property for disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
For more information about the program, or to schedule a presentation, call the Polk County Chapter at 863-294-5941.
Girl Scouts
Adult volunteers can have just as much fun as the Girl Scouts they serve. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders and advisors so that they work with the same girls all year. Volunteer opportunitites also exist
for guest speakers, teachers for specific skills and projects, advisory committee members, and a wide range of other volunteer services to girls and Girl Scouting.
To find out more about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, contact the Lakeland office at 863.688.7648.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Hazardous Waste Section collects household hazardous waste Monday through Friday 7:45a to 3:45p, and Saturday 8a to 5p at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. The facility is located on SR 540 at the North Central Landfill, four miles east of highway 98.
At the facility, the county accepts household paints. aerosol cans, motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, kerosene, diesel fuel, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleaners, polishes, paint strippers, paint thinner, fluorescent tubes, mercury containing devices, household and auto batteries.
All household items are accepted during these times except biohazardous materials, i.e. hypodermic needles or lancets. No explosives or radioactive wastes will be accepted at this location. No waster generated by businesses will be accepted for disposal. For more information call the Polk County Household Hazardous Waste Section at 863-499-2771 or 863-499-2689.
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