Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
More than 1,000 residents attended the 15th annual Back to School Community Resource Fair on Sunday at Old Havana Northside High School.
The event returned to Havana this year after being held in Midway last year.
One Gadsden Foundation Inc. hosted the fair in partnership with the Havana Development Community Corporation. Gadsden County Commissioner Eric Hinson hosted the event.
“This year’s One Gadsden Foundation, Inc.’s Annual Back 2 School Community Resource Fair was the largest and most successful yet,” Hinson said. “We were able to serve more than 1,000 residents, and the turnout shows just how much our families value having access to real, meaningful support as they prepare for the school year.”
Hinson said 35 vendors from across the Big Bend participated in this year’s event.
Families received free school supplies, toiletries and other items to help students prepare for the new school year. The fair also featured food gift card and technology giveaways, health screenings, free haircuts, food, drinks and games.
“Our partnership with the Havana Community Development Corporation made it possible for us to expand our reach and provide a welcoming space for families,” Hinson said. “From free haircuts and purified water to health screenings, school supplies, household items, food, and games, we offered a full range of resources that help set our students up for success.”
The community resource fair also connected attendees with local organizations and services available to families and businesses.
“We are grateful for our annual partners and sponsors who invest in the Gadsden community and ensure that families have what they need for a strong start to the school year,” Hinson said.