The final week of August brings a variety of events to Manatee County, ranging from free pet vaccinations and a local candidate forum to family activities and an ongoing food drive.
Residents looking for something to do or a way to support the community can find several opportunities between Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.
Back-to-School Food Drive Continues Through Sept. 4
The Kind Mouse is continuing its Back-to-School Food Drive throughout the week as the nonprofit works to provide food for children and families experiencing food insecurity.
The drive runs through Sept. 4, with participating organizations and businesses able to request collection bins. The Kind Mouse delivers empty bins and later picks them up after they have been filled with donated food.
The organization focuses on assisting families in transition and children experiencing chronic hunger while encouraging young people to become involved in community service. According to the organization, its efforts have helped fill more than 1 million hungry tummies.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Free Pet Vaccines and Microchipping
Manatee County Animal Welfare will offer a free vaccine and microchipping clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Animal Welfare Resource Center, 401 17th Ave. W. in Bradenton.
The clinic is available to Manatee County residents, and appointments are required. Households are limited to three pets per clinic.
Cats must arrive in carriers, while dogs must be kept on leashes.
Appointments can be scheduled through Manatee County Animal Welfare at mymanatee.org/petclinic.
Thursday, Aug. 27 — Manatee Tiger Bay Club Candidate Forum
Manatee Tiger Bay Club will host a candidate forum Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton.
The program will feature candidates in several local municipal races, including Thomas Schwartz, a candidate for Bradenton City Council Ward 3; Bradenton City Council Ward 4 incumbent Lisa Gonzalez-Moore; and Sheldon Jones, a candidate for Palmetto Commission Ward 2.
Doors open at 11 a.m., with the forum scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event gives attendees an opportunity to hear directly about candidates seeking local offices ahead of the November general election.
Saturday, Aug. 29 — End of Summer Reading Party
Families can celebrate the end of summer with an afternoon of games, activities and learning during an End of Summer Reading Party at Bat City Comic Professionals, 915 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton.
The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.
Organizers are planning a day built around exploration, with science, history and reading games and activities. Families will also have opportunities to play games and win prizes.
The event is designed to give children a fun way to wrap up summer reading while continuing to explore educational topics as the new school year gets underway.
With charitable giving, pet services, civic engagement and family entertainment all on the calendar, Manatee County residents have several ways to get involved in the community as August comes to a close.