Join Us at the Annual Health Fair: 600 Sonoma Valley Students to Get Free Backpacks!

The 10th Annual Sonoma Valley Back to School Health Fair is set for Saturday, August 9, at Altimira Middle School, from noon to 2 p.m. This free event, organized by the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center and the Back to School Health Care Committee, aims to support students from low-income families.

About 600 prekindergarten to 12th grade students will receive backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Jenny Belway, the development director at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, highlights the importance of community support, saying trusted adults can also bring children to the event. “We encourage those who can help students whose parents may feel uncomfortable attending,” she mentions.

Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so students must be present to receive one. Belway adds, “We’re ensuring that families with special needs children can easily access backpacks, too.”

In addition to backpacks, around thirty local social service organizations will set up booths to connect families with vital health, nutrition, and educational resources. Notable participants include the Sonoma Valley Hospital, Sonoma 4Cs, and the Rotary Club of Sonoma Springs, among others. These organizations will also offer hands-on experiences, making it an engaging event for kids.

Families can enjoy refreshments like cookies and lemonade, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. However, financial support is crucial for the fair to continue. The organizers are looking for donations to cover the $47,000 cost of the event. Contributions can be made through various channels, including email or phone.

This fair isn’t just about school supplies; it emphasizes the link between health and education. Belway states, “Our community is as strong as its children. We want to provide preventative health and education so they can learn and thrive.” This insight is backed by studies showing that good health positively impacts academic performance and overall well-being.

As the fair celebrates its ten-year milestone, community support remains vital. Local partnerships and donations have made this event possible, emphasizing the strength of community engagement.

For more information about the fair and how to contribute, you can reach out to Sonoma Valley Community Health Center directly.

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