Back to School Fair equips students
Joy Deal knew exactly what to expect Wednesday at the Back to School Fair - and her first priority wasn't a backpack.
That would come later.
She grabbed a lawn chair as she left home, because she knew she'd be camped out for hours before the start of the event at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
With more than 1,000 families expected to avail themselves of the free services, Deal intended to be at the head of the class when the door opened.
Surprisingly, others beat her to the punch. They began lining up at 6:30 a.m. for the event that opened at 11 a.m.
For the 17th year, Catholic Charities sponsored the fair that hands out back-to-school supplies, gives free vision and dental screening, and offers a free T-shirt to families in need. To qualify, a family of four must be at 185 percent of the most recent federal poverty level. That's about $33,000 for a family of four, explained Mary Tarnow, community outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities.
Deal, a Glen Ellyn resident, said she's giving her oldest child the privilege of seniority and allowing her to keep this year's backpack. All families qualify for one free backpack, while other children in the family receive a free bag of school supplies.
Additionally, each family gets a $10 gift card per child to buy school supplies at Jewel-Osco, and a $15-per-child coupon for Payless Shoes.
Every bit helps when it comes time to suit up for classes in the fall, said Tish Bass of Hanover Park.
She spends around $300 on her three children by the time she's done tackling classroom supply lists and back-to-school clothes. Each year, she said, she relies on the Back to School Fair to ease the burden.
"It helps," she said.
Her family's lucky backpack recipient this year: her 6-year-old son, D'varri. He's getting the Batman bookbag she selected from the fair.
Catholic Charities works with the DuPage Regional Office of Education, social services across the county and the Illinois State Crime Commission to present the event.
Dentists set up exam stations for children on the stage of the main exhibition hall. Anyone needing an emergency procedure, like an extraction or a root canal, could go outside to the Smile Van, a portable dental services truck. Small problems, like cavities, could be handled later with appointments made at the DuPage County Health Department, Tarnow said.
The event, though, wasn't just about the children. One station in back was stacked with donated books - each adult was allowed to pick two. Information also was provided about signing up for health insurance though the state, getting social security information, child care and even entertainment spots for kids around the county.