Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc.

COME SEE US! MCPS Family Focus Event: "Welcome Back: Reunited and Ready to Learn" - VIRTUAL
2024-09-26 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | FL
The ELCMC team will be providing presentations on VPK:

what it is
who is eligible
how to apply
how student progress is monitored

OFFICE CLOSURE - COLUMBUS DAY
2024-10-14 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of Columbus Day.

COME SEE US! Boo Bash 2024
2024-10-31 17:30 - 19:30 | Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala, FL, 34475, United States
The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks is Hosting Their Annual Boo Bash Halloween Event – and we will be there!

The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host the annual Boo Bash at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This family-friendly Halloween event is free to attend.
Boo Bash will offer games, spooky activities, and plenty of candy! Costumes are encouraged, and all ages are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please visit www.ocalafl.gov/recpark, call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517, or follow @OcalaRecPark on Facebook.

COME SEE US! Marion County Chili Cook-Off
2024-11-02 10:00 - 16:00 | southeastern livestock pavilion auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
We are excited to be a vendor at this year’s Chili Cook-Off event! Please stop by and see our booth while enjoying some award-winning chili with your family.
The Marion County Chili Cook-Off began in 1981 with an idea from one of the founding members of The Cornerstone School, Mike Hill. After attending a chili cook-off on Marco Island, Mr. Hill thought a chili cook-off would be a great way to raise money to help start The Cornerstone School, a new independent school, centered on teaching the whole child.
The inaugural Chili Cook-Off was held at the former Ramada Inn located at US-27 and I-75. Sanctioned by the International Chili Society, the competition was governed by Society regulations, and future Cornerstone School families prepared all the chili. The event was a great success and helped The Cornerstone School open in the Fall of 1982. It was decided then that the Chili Cook-Off would become an annual fundraiser for the school.
The annual Chili Cook-Off Car Show made its debut in 2015 and continues to grow each year. In 2019 the expanded Children’s Area featured several inflatables, carnival games, face painting, and sand art. Throughout the years The Marion County Chili Cook-Off has been a staple for the community, offering businesses the opportunity to build relationships and locals the opportunity to make memories. With more than 5,000 locals visiting every year, there is something for everyone at The Marion County Chili Cook-Off.
All proceeds from the event benefit The Cornerstone School, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit school located in Ocala, FL.

COME SEE US! A Better Job Fair
2024-11-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Oakcrest Baptist Church, 1109 NE 28th Street, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Come see our team! We will be there to provide job-seekers with child care resources.

ELCMC DIAPER ASSISTANCE - Every Thursday*
2024-11-07 07:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-14 07:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-21 07:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-05 07:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-12 07:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-19 07:00 - 18:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
The ELCMC provides diaper assistance every Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at our office.
*Dates are subject to change in observance of holidays or other closures. Check our calendar for those changes.
Please see the criteria below or visit www.elc-marion.org/parents/success-by-6 for more information.
CRITERIA:
1. Reside in Marion County:
• provide valid FL driver’s license/id, current lease or utility bill from within the past 60 days
2. Have child between the ages of birth to five years old:
• Provide Medicaid card or birth certificate
3. Provide Evidence of financial need:
• Housing instability (PROVIDE referral from certified homeless shelter)
• Foster Placement (PROVIDE Medicaid card or placement letter)
• Receiving school readiness (provide ELC staff verification)
• receiving snap (PROVIDE snap letter)
• Medicaid recipient (PROVIDE Medicaid card)

COME SEE US! Cops & Cars Car and Truck Show
2024-11-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Ocala Police Department Headquarters, 402 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Stop by and meet the ELCMC team, grab some goodies and valuable resources! We can’t wait for this fun, family-friendly event.

OFFICE CLOSURE - VETERAN'S DAY
2024-11-11 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day.

COME SEE US! Light Up Ocala 2024
2024-11-23 15:00 - 20:00 | FL
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Downtown Ocala | 3 – 8 PM

About Light Up Ocala

Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition to kick off the holidays that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the holiday merry making event!
Light Up Ocala will have over 100 vendors including crafts, art and plenty of food options to choose from! Live entertainment will fill the air with festive sounds and an interactive kids zone will keep the whole family entertained. You won’t want to miss the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa. All of which culminates in the most exciting part of the event: lighting up downtown Ocala!

OFFICE CLOSURE - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
2024-11-28, 2024-11-29 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

COME SEE US! Marion County Children's Alliance Annual Resource Fair
2024-12-04 11:00 - 13:00 | FL
Join us at the Annual Resource Fair!
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📍 Marion County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Purpose Room
This event is OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY and provides a fantastic opportunity to discover resources and network with over 40 community partners! 💼👥
Plus, enjoy a **FREE lunch** while supplies last! 🍽️
Hosted by the Marion County Children’s Alliance, this Resource Fair will feature Marion County organizations that support children and families. It’s an excellent opportunity for Family Engagement Liaisons, MCPS Social Workers, and other Marion County employees who work with families and children to gather information and connect with providers.
Want to be a Resource Vendor? Sign up here: https://mcchildrensalliance.networkforgood.com/…/186999…
Have questions?
Email MCCA@mcchildrensalliance.org

COME SEE US! Reindeer Romp 2024
2024-12-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Rd, Reddick, FL, 32686, United States
Reindeer Romp
The Coalition will have a booth at the 2024 Reindeer Romp. Join us for festive, frosty, fun on Saturday, Dec. 21 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Reddick Public Library.

There will be games, music, and giveaways. For more information, see Marion County Public Library System Programs and Event Calendar.

OFFICE CLOSURE - CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
2024-12-23 | FL
Per Governor DeSantis, state offices will be closed on Monday, December 23rd.

OFFICE CLOSURE - CHRISTMAS EVE
2024-12-24 | FL
We will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, in observance of Christmas Eve.

OFFICE CLOSURE - CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
2024-12-25 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of the Christmas holiday.

ELCMC DIAPER ASSISTANCE - Every Thursday*
2024-12-30 07:00 - 18:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
The ELCMC provides diaper assistance every Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at our office.
*Dates are subject to change in observance of holidays or other closures. This week’s distribution will take place on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 instead of Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
Please see the criteria below or visit www.elc-marion.org/parents/success-by-6 for more information.
CRITERIA:
1. Reside in Marion County:
• provide valid FL driver’s license/id, current lease or utility bill from within the past 60 days
2. Have child between the ages of birth to five years old:
• Provide Medicaid card or birth certificate
3. Provide Evidence of financial need:
• Housing instability (PROVIDE referral from certified homeless shelter)
• Foster Placement (PROVIDE Medicaid card or placement letter)
• Receiving school readiness (provide ELC staff verification)
• receiving snap (PROVIDE snap letter)
• Medicaid recipient (PROVIDE Medicaid card)

OFFICE CLOSURE - NEW YEARS EVE
2024-12-31 | FL
Per Governor DeSantis, state offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 31.

OFFICE CLOSURE - NEW YEAR'S DAY
2025-01-01 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day.

COME SEE US! MLK Youth Day
2025-01-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala, FL, 34475, United States
The ELCMC team will be participating in Ocala’s MLK Youth Day. Stop by our booth and check out our many free resources!

OFFICE CLOSURE - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
2025-01-20 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Inaugural Truckin' It To Preschool Event
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala, FL, 34472, United States
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County will be hosting their inaugural Truckin’ It To Preschool event at the Silver Springs Shores Community Center on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Truckin’ It To Preschool event will be an opportunity for families to learn about the many preschool options available in Marion County and to apply for VPK. Attendees will also be able to get up close and personal to their favorite trucks and emergency vehicles.
Preschool providers are invited to participate in this event, highlighting their preschool options for families. Vendor space is free to School Readiness and/or VPK contracted providers, and only $25 for non-contracted providers. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at this event or if you have any questions regarding this event, please email Quality@ELC-Marion.org.

OFFICE CLOSURE - PRESIDENTS' DAY
2025-02-17 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day

COME SEE US! Inaugural Children's Charity Classic
2025-02-21 18:00 - 22:00 | HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 US-27, Ocala, FL, 32668, United States
The Children’s Charity Classic is an initiative that focuses on empowering children in our community.
Excitement is building as amazing organizations recently attended a training session to prepare for the Children’s Charity Classic! This inspiring event, set for February 21, 2025, will feature teams of riders paired with local organizations, all working together to make a difference in the lives of children in the community.
The United Way of Marion County is proud to host this incredible event, which will unite the community for a cause that matters. Let’s come together to support these non-profits and create a lasting impact.
Join us in making a difference—together, we can ride toward a brighter future!
This one-of-a-kind event aims to make a significant impact on the lives of local children by supporting organizations that provide assistance in education, financial stability, and health. The proceeds from the charity classic will be distributed among the selected agencies, enabling them to further their invaluable programs and initiatives.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Event starts at 6 p.m. There is no assigned seating, so please bring your own blanket or chairs.
**Please NOTE: There will be a $10 FEE (Cash ONLY) for parking on the day of the event, that fee will also be donated to the Children’s Charity Classic**
Get your FREE tickets HERE.

COME SEE US! 11th Anniversary Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival
2025-03-01 09:00 - 17:00 | McPherson Complex, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
Get Ready for a “Berry” Good Time! The 11th Annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson Complex on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The festival begins at 9:00 AM with free admission and runs until 5:00 PM.

Volunteers from the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) will assist with traffic control and parking. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and proceeds will benefit both MTRA and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

This year’s festival will feature over 230 unique and exciting vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, fresh strawberries from Plant City farmers, strawberry-inspired treats, a bigger-than-ever car show with cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a BMX stunt show, and a pie-eating contest.

Many nonprofit organizations will have vendor booths, and there will be several photo booths available throughout the festival. The event offers food for all tastes, fun activities for all ages, and a day of entertainment for festival-goers of all generations.

Habitat for Humanity could not host this event without the help of over 700 dedicated volunteers who generously donate their time, effort, and knowledge. We also want to extend a special thank-you to our wonderful sponsors for helping make this event possible.

All proceeds from the Strawberry Festival will support Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s mission to build a new home, named the Strawberry House, for a low-income family in need of an affordable mortgage and a safe, secure place to raise their children.

For more information, visit: https://habitatocala.org/strawberry/
