Back to School Fair in Villa Park helps families in need

Sandra Ibarra was stressed out about buying school supplies for her children this year.

After just having a baby, the Lombard woman said she was unable to work to pay for the supplies that can get pretty expensive for her three school-age children, who are 7, 6 and 4.

"I was worried because I have three kids, and I have to buy for all," she said.

But Ibarra could breathe a little easier Wednesday while attending the Back to School Fair sponsored by Catholic Charities of Joliet at the Odeum Expo Center of Villa Park.

The annual fair is aimed at families in need to help them get ready for the start of another school year.

The doors opened at 11 a.m., but fair coordinator Amy Lambert said the first family of the day was in line at 5 a.m.

Lambert said people arrived early because in the fair's early years, supplies sometimes would run out. Over the past few years, though, that hasn't been a problem, she said.

In addition to picking up school supplies, families could receive free haircuts and dental and vision services.

Indeed, more than 80 service providers - including food pantries, child support services and health information services - had booths in the Odeum.

After getting what they needed, some families were able help others by participating in a blood drive.

"Families love the opportunity to be able to give back," Lambert said. "It helps to instill dignity."

As many as 5,000 people have attended the fair in past years.

Days in advance of the fair, Lambert said she begins getting a few emails from parents, letting her know how happy they are to have the fair around for another year.

Nevertheless, Lambert said the fair is in need of additional sponsors and donors.

"We're looking for more people who believe in our mission," she said.

That mission is important to people such as Comaneci Myers of Darien, who said she can now spend more money on her daughter Aamirra's clothes and health needs instead of on supplies as she enters seventh grade.

"The fair cuts down my costs, so it's a great thing," Myers said. "I've never seen anything like this."

Kiki Williams of Addison was looking around for supplies for her two sons, one going into kindergarten and the other entering ninth grade.

Though it can get a bit crowded, Williams said she's grateful for the help.

"I'm happy they're giving away free stuff," Williams said, "because a lot of parents don't have the ability to buy all these school supplies."