KANSAS CITY, Kan. — If you’re a parent you know getting the kids ready to go back to school can be expensive. On Saturday, an estimated 4,000 kids got everything they need to start the year right. Parents didn’t have to spend a dime.
People started lining up before the sun came up.
“I see a lot of children that come through that don’t have food, they don’t have um the right wellness care, they’re not getting that and the children we’re seeing today have never seen a doctor,” said Arlana Coleman with the Back to School Fair.
The 10th annual back to school fair was a one stop shop for school supplies, sports physicals, and vaccines for kids and parents. Everything offered at Saturday’s fair was free.
“The schools, they’re not allowed to have kids that start day 1 on school if they don’t have their immunizations so we’re trying to help all the students be in their seats the first day of school and not have to leave school to have to go to the health department to get their immunizations,” said KU Med student Becca Mullen.
The fair is made possible by volunteers and sponsors. About 4,500 bags of school supplies were donated. KU Med students donated their time and expertise. Parents say they couldn’t do it all on their own.
“It means a whole lot for us to come here as far as financial wise, we come here plus it’s community, I like to come here in the community to help out my kids,” said parent Gene Carter.
The fair makes going back to school a little better by taking a big burden off parent’s shoulders. For more information about volunteering click here.
