Back to School Fair draws big crowd, community support

August 11, 2013 at 6:00 a.m. | Updated August 11, 2013 at 6:00 a.m.

A group of students and parents crowd around a table where Callaway County Public Library employees disperse school supplies and library resources at the Back to School Fair. More than 700 people took advantage of the free fair, which gave out school supplies, dental screenings and more to make sure students were prepared for the school year ahead.

More than 700 students will be going back to school this week with a backpack full of supplies.

Though their estimated gate fell short of their anticipated crowd of 800, Callaway Action Network Director Julie Roark said she was happy about the turnout of the second annual SERVE, Inc. Back to School Fair, held Saturday at Fulton High School.

"I think it went very well," Roark said. "And the group of people very much appreciated everything they were able to receive in addition to the school supplies and getting some hygiene products. We heard a lot of good things from the people we served."

On such appreciative parent was Robin Hernandez, whose child Jayden left the fair sporting a new free haircut along with plenty of supplies.

"A friend of mine told me about it, and also they were giving out the free tetanus and whooping cough vaccine," Hernandez said. "I've got grandchildren so I thought it was a good thing to get."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.