SERVE, Inc.'s annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday brought many to Callaway Christian Church in Fulton.
Hundreds of families showed up to get their kids' school supplies, haircuts, lice checks, dental checks, height and weight checks, eye tests, hearing tests and other services. The children received various-sized backpacks to keep based on their age to carry all of the supplies they needed.
"I think it's very good," said mother Melissa Gathercole. "School supplies are expensive nowadays, and when you have multiple kids, it adds up. It's nice to have someone to help out."
There was a very long line in the beginning of the day, and people had to wait long periods of time to get inside the building. The fire department had a fire truck set up to teach kids about fire safety, and there also was a police car for kids to see.
Gathercole's 10-year-old son, Carter, had fun while waiting in line.
"I stood in line. I got in the fire truck, and I got in the cop car," he said. "It was cool."
After families went through each checkpoint and got their supplies, SERVE, Inc. volunteers provided free lunch.
Kim Branson, a 17-year volunteer, said it felt good to give people a helping hand.
"You don't get everything, but it's saving families a lot of money," she said. "It's good, bringing the community together."
SERVE, Inc. outreach director Brittany Lenhart described how some of the kids reacted to getting school supplies.
"I saw a couple little girls who were super excited because they were starting first grade, and they had their backpacks matching their supply case. They were trying to match all of their colors, and that was pretty cute," she said. "I also had a little boy who had a little meltdown because his backpack became unzipped. I hurried up and helped clean up all of his stuff, and he looked up and said, 'Thanks, I just want to go home.' He really didn't like fighting the crowd, but it's been fun having everybody out."
There were 35 volunteers from SERVE, Inc. and dozens more from other businesses and organizations.
"Callaway County never fails to step up when it's needed," SERVE, Inc. volunteer director Peg Dzicek said. "I've worked in this county for 25 years, and every single time there's a need, this county has filled it. The community is unbelievable."