Bless Fruitland Park has announced its special planned activities for “Love Week 2026” happening in February.
“Love Week 2026” will work together with others within local communities to saturate Fruitland Park and the surrounding area with Random Acts of Kindness and special planned activities from Feb. 7-14. During “Love Week,” the group encourages local businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals to join them in their efforts by brainstorming and carrying out their own creative ideas within their neighborhoods and communities. Participants are encouraged to flood social media with the acts of kindness that are happening in and around the area as they inspire one another by taking pictures and using #LOVEWEEK. Some of the planned opportunities in the community are as follows:
Fruitland Park Library:
Throughout the entire month of February, the group will be gathering essential baby care items such as baby wipes, powder and diaper rash cream. These donations will be shared with the Community Partnership Program, which will ensure they reach families who could use extra support. Drop off at the Fruitland Park Library, located at 604 W Berckman St., throughout the month of February. For more information, call 352-360-6561.
Love Run 5K:
Fruitland Park Recreation will be hosting the 5k Love Run run on Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the Fruitland Park Gardenia Center, located at 205 W Berckman St. Proceeds will benefit the New Beginnings Refuge, a faith based non-profit dedicated to restoring hope and stability to homeless families within the community. Citizens First Bank will be sponsoring this year’s “Fun Run” for the kids. Early registration ends on Jan. 29. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/101735/2026-love-week-5k-run. Contact Christine Wilson at 352-531-6105 or [email protected] for more information.
Citizens First Bank:
The bank is hosting the annual hot dog cookout on Feb. 13 along with the drawing for the “Date Night” themed raffle basket being held the same day. The basket will be on display, and tickets will be available at Citizens First Bank, located at 3290 U.S. Hwy. 27/441. The hot dog lunch is open to all with a requested $7 donation. Lunch is free for all Fruitland Park emergency responders as a thank you for service to the community. Tickets for the raffle basket go on sale Jan. 29 and can be purchased at the Fruitland Park branch. Proceeds will go to Bless Fruitland Park to help the group continue impacting the local community. For more information, contact Kathy Hope at 352-751-2095.
Pizza with a Purpose:
Stavro’s restaurant, located at 3223 U.S. Hwy. 441 #27, is giving back. On Feb. 9, 5% of all restaurant sales will go to Bless Fruitland Park. Impact the community by choosing to eat with them. Order out lunch for office staff, dine in or grab a take home for supper. For more information, contact Cyndi Kountanis at 352-315-0028.
Blood Mobile:
The Big Red bus will be at Heritage Community Church, located at 509 W Berckman St., on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Persons donating blood will be given a $20 E Gift card and a free t-shirt while supplies last. Contact One Blood to set up an appointment at 888-936-6283 or https://www.oneblood.org/. Drop in’s welcomed.
Married Up Marriage Conference:
Join Heritage Community Church, located at 509 W Berckman St., on Feb. 6 and 7 for a fun marriage conference led by Dan and Danielle Macaulay, https://marriedup.net/. Free childcare available for infants through 5th grade. Cost is $40 per couple. Register and discover more info at https://heritage-community-church.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/210502036.
It’s All for the Kids:
The men’s ministry of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Wildwood will be holding one of their annual 18-hole scramble golf tournaments at Continental Country Club in Wildwood on March 9 to raise funds to support local youth and children’s programs. For more information on how to play or become a sponsor, contact Johnny Miller at 352-303-3967.
Ministry Fair:
Community United Methodist Church, located at 309 College Ave., will provide a Ministry Fair on Feb. 8 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Ministry Fair will provide information and opportunities for a variety of ministries provided by the church to the community. Activities for children will be provided, and the local Boy Scout troop will also be raising funds through their Spaghetti Supper. For more information, contact the church office at 352-787-1829 or email them at [email protected].
Recognition of First Responders and Public Works employees:
Local churches will be providing cookies and sweets for local first responders and public works employees during “Love Week.” For more info on how to participate, contact Rev. George Mulford of Grace Bible Baptist Church at [email protected] or 352-516-9134.
Fraud Awareness Seminar:
Join an informative seminar covering common scams, how to spot red flags, ways to protect personal information and what to do when scammed. Hosted by the Fruitland Park Police Department and Citizens First Bank at the Fruitland Park Gardenia Center, located at 205 W Berckman St., on Feb. 11 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact the FPPD at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome to attend with no RSVP required.
Diaper and baby Formula Drive:
In February, Hope Community Church in Wildwood is collecting diapers and baby formula to donate to Kids Central in Wildwood. Drop items on Sunday mornings at Hope Community Church, located at 4070 CR 124A, Ste 3, Wildwood. Contact Don Winters at 352-603-4271 or [email protected] for more information or alternate times to donate items.
Giving Hearts Day:
On Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., “Project Legacy” will host its “Giving Hands Day” celebration at Fruitland Park Elementary School, located at 901 Olive Ave., in the cafeteria. The event will gather supporters of Project Legacy as well as recognize some of the area’s nonprofit organizations (focusing on child and teen programs) that have received financial assistance from Project Legacy. Attendees will also hear about upcoming plans and opportunities. “Trinity Constructors” will be sponsoring this event and provide a light breakfast beginning at 8:45 a.m. For more information on Project Legacy or the Giving Hearts day event, contact Karen Mercer at [email protected] or 352-406-1769.
Diaper and baby formula drive:
During February, the group will be collecting baby diapers, pull ups or adult diapers as well as baby formula. Items can be dropped off at Community United Methodist Church, located at 309 College Ave. For more info, contact Melinda Milhorn at 352-408-7558.
“Showing Love:”
Trinity Assembly of God of Fruitland Park will be providing lunch on Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m for the Fruitland Park Police and Public Works Department. For more information, contact Rev. Chuck Padgett at 352-661-0274 or [email protected].