Hundreds came out to the Delaware County Health Department’s first Back to School Fair with backpacks going almost within the first hour.

Before the event even started Saturday at 10 a.m., families were lined along the health department’s Yeadon Wellness Center and around the building. Within an hour and a half, the 250 backpacks to be handed out throughout the four-hour event were distributed.

“Today was an amazing opportunity to invite Delaware County residents into the Wellness Center at Yeadon to prepare for a successful school year,” Rasheeda Williamson, population health manager, said. “Our goal was to connect with as many families as possible and show that we care not only about their health and well-being, but the success of their futures.”

And, even though the hundreds of backpacks went quickly, the fair had many other offerings for the families from vaccinations and health screenings to youth financial literacy to face paintings and hair cuts.

“It’s so interesting to see that people are actually taking advantage of the other resources,” Dr. Gifty Akomea Key, Population Health Division administrator, said.

Students were able to receive vision and dental screenings as well as essential Tdap and MCV4 vaccines, which are usually required by schools.

Health partners at the fair included Eagle Eye Mobile, Keystone First, Children First and Kids Smiles.

Most of the backpacks were filled with supplies such as notebooks, pencils, highlighters, pens, colored pencils and markers.

“The whole goal of this is to help kids start school off right,” county Health Department spokesman Matthew Rankin said. “They say the best availability is availability so if they’re healthy and in school and spending more time in the classroom, then they’ll be set up for more success in the classroom and in life.”

He explained that most of the school supplies were collected through the DCHD Delivers donation drive, which occurred at Thanksgiving and prior to the health department’s first anniversary in April 2023.

“That’s one of our points of pride,” Rankin said. “Typically, it’s staff and county employees that make a donation. We reached out to partners like YMCA, the county libraries. The WIC office was collecting for us as well. We had boxes all around the county in different public areas for people to donate.”

County resident Maris Sirleaf was one of the lucky ones to get a backpack.

“I have two (children) but they could only give me one and I appreciate  it,” she said as she clutched the light gray Head backpack.

She initially came to the fair to see the other resources available.

“I’m happy,” Sirleaf said. “Even though I came late, I really appreciate what they have back there. “

One of the offerings was youth financial literacy through the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.

“It’s a great opportunity to help out and give back to the kids and help them with learning about savings accounts and what saving is all about,” Nyarra Phillips of the credit union said.

She said credit union staff were on-hand and ready to help families set up Greenlight savings accounts for the youth.

“The parents can put money into the kids’ account,” Phillips said. “They get little debit cards … Then, they feel like they’re saving. They’re learning at a young age.”

Overall, health department staff were delighted with the fair.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout and the positive impact this event had on our community,” Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon said. “Our goal was to ensure that every child in Delaware County is healthy, prepared and excited to start the school year and we’re so grateful to all our partners for helping us achieve that.”

Originally Published: August 10, 2024 at 5:25 p.m.