Faced with school supply lists the length of a kid's arm, some parents might be feeling the financial pinch.
That's why SERVE, Inc. has its annual Back to School Fair, where parents can stock up on school supplies and other back-to-school necessities for free. This year, it's happening 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 29 at Callaway Christian Church. But SERVE needs Callaway County's help to make the event possible.
"This program is only possible because of the kind hearts in Callaway County and without this generosity we could not provide such a great experience for our students," outreach director Brittany Abbott said.
Services include a free backpack, haircut, health screening, lunch and basic school supplies. There's no income requirement - all a family has to do is prove residency in Callaway County. Bringing an ID with a current address or a piece of mail with a name and current address will suffice.
Abbott said if a family can't make it to the event, they can call SERVE on the following Monday to ask about leftover supplies (573-642-6388).
Her goal: provide free supplies to 1,000 kids.
"SERVE has been collecting donations throughout the month of July through collection barrels and reaching out to community members for support," Abbott said.
People can drop off school suply donations at SERVE's main office at 4901 County Road 304, or at the Clothes Cupboard at 518 Jefferson St. in Fulton. SERVE also accepts monetary donations.
As of Monday, SERVE was still seeking a few healthcare professionals to check kids' health before haircuts, a SERVE representative said.