Created on Tuesday, 07 July 2009 15:53
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Back to School Event Seeking Community Support
Organizers of one of the largest back to school events in the city are concerned they will not have enough supplies to meet the anticipated demand.
Covering Kids and Families of Central Indiana has hosted an annual back to school health fair during each of the past eight years. During that time, attendance has increased from 800 to an expected 20,000 this year.
The 2009 event will be held August 1 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Marion County Health Department, 3838 North Rural Street.
Last year the event passed out backpacks loaded with school supplies to 3,000 children. The sluggish economy is likely to increase the number of backpacks needed to 5,000.
“We don’t want to deny any child the opportunity to have a backpack and supplies to begin the school year,” said Pamela Humes, program director, Covering Kids and Families. “We are appealing to the community to assist us with supplies and funding so that all needy children will be prepared for school,” said Humes.
The health fair provides free school supplies, childhood immunizations, sports physicals, dental exams and the chance to enroll in individual and family health insurance. Community organizations also participate by providing information on a variety of health related programs and services.
Individuals and organizations interested in offering support to the 9th Annual Covering Kids and Families Back to School Day are encouraged to contact Pam Humes at 221-3117 or phumes@hhcorp.org .
