SERVE event to benefit students

Cruz Ortiz, 10, of Fulton, takes a handful of pencils at a past SERVE back to school event.
Cruz Ortiz, 10, of Fulton, takes a handful of pencils at a past SERVE back to school event.

Keli Tate and SERVE, Inc. workers and volunteers have one major goal when it comes to their organization.

"We want to make an impact," said Tate, director of operations.

Families with school children should mark their calendars for July 28, the date of the nonprofit's seventh annual Back 2 School Fair. It will be 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Callaway Christian Church at 2051 Silver Drive, southwest of Fulton off Route H.

The fair will include the usual: Hair cuts, dental and vision screenings, collection of school supplies and more. People can still donate by calling 573-642-6388. They can also call that number to register for their school supplies and avoid the long lines 1,000 students and their families create.

"We're hoping that if they call, it will help the lines move a little bit faster," Tate said. "We just want to make it faster for families. There is such a large crowd and it can be really hot. Hopefully this can help us with crowd control."

Students from Callaway County schools are eligible. Income doesn't matter. If you go to a school in another county, check there for similar events.

Tate said collecting items needed for each student is a colossal undertaking.

"In Callaway County, there are 82 separate school lists," she added. "We needed to look at how we can make an impact with these vastly different lists."

In the past, backpacks were offered, but for one reason or the other, Tate said she wasn't sure they were being used.

"We used to buy them in bulk, and sometimes, there was a stigma attached," she added, saying some students were embarrassed by carrying "SERVE" backpacks. "And they were very small and not of the best quality. If they're not being used, then we're not being the best stewards of the funds donated to us."

While SERVE will accept donated backpacks to be given away, the emphasis this year is instead on filling those required lists rather than buying backpacks.

"Some school lists may require a student have two packages of pencils," Tate said. "What we were doing didn't seem to meet the school check list."

SERVE employees also will be at the Aug. 6 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the Callaway County Chamber at 54 Country.

"We want to ask teachers how SERVE can best help the schools - what would they like to see us do," Tate added. "I just want to ask the teachers how can we help them better."

She also said all SERVE employees are required to at least visit the back-to-school fair to see the impact their jobs have on these 1,000 students and their families.

"We're excited about it," Tate said. "There's just been so many people impacted by this event."

SERVE, Inc. also has a family Christmas event with toys and food, a winter coat drive, a Senior Expo and more.

"But this is my favorite event," Tate said, then laughed. "I have to quit saying that. They're all my favorite - depending on which one I'm working on."