SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (August 7, 2025)  — The Seminole County Fire Department and the Altamonte Springs Police Department teamed up to host the 3rd Annual Back to School Bash, bringing smiles, support, and school essentials to nearly 200 local young people from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s East Altamonte, West Sanford, and Oviedo branches.

The community-centered event, held in East Altamonte, featured the distribution of over 200 free backpacks—each filled with school supplies—just in time for the start of the new school year. Club members also received complimentary haircuts, a delicious lunch, and enjoyed a day filled with sports, games, and activities led by first responders.

Premier sponsor Fairwinds Credit Union generously donated all the backpacks, helping ensure that every child started the school year prepared and confident.

Additional community partners stepped up in a big way:

• Revamp Barbershop provided professional haircuts.
• Action Church returned for the third consecutive year with food donations.
• G.R.O.W. Central Florida handed out free sports balls.
• Seminole County Public Schools provided free transportation to and from the event.
• Jeremiah’s Ice in Casselberry provided sweet treats.
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The initiative was spearheaded by Lt. Chris Torres of the Seminole County Fire Department, a former Boys & Girls Club member himself and the son of a late Altamonte Springs Police Officer.

“The Boys & Girls Club is such a positive place for kids and makes a tremendous impact on setting them up for a good future,” said Lt. Torres. “I’m incredibly grateful to my department, our law enforcement partners, and the many generous community sponsors who made this event a reality.”

The Back to School Bash continues to grow each year, strengthening ties between first responders and the community, while ensuring local children are supported and celebrated as they head into the new school year.