FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — It was all smiles at Chukchansi Park on Saturday as thousands attended the 23rd annual Back to School Health Fair.
“I’ve been doing it all 23 years and it’s completely a blessing. I’m so grateful,” volunteer Shannay said.
The event is a one-stop shop as kids walked away with free Nike sneakers, backpacks, haircuts and even prom dresses.
“You’ll see families huddled, and you’ll see them going through the things you’ll see mom going through her clothes, you’ll see kids literally staring at their shoes and it’s like wow these are mine,” West Fresno Family Resource Center executive director Yolanda Randles said.
Long lines stretched around the park, an indicator of the real need in the community.
Every aspect of the fair took a weight off families facing tough times.
“Everything is expensive, everything ‘s expensive for kids and stuff, so this helps out a lot,” Fresno mom Elaine said. “Hard times for a lot of people right now. It’s a blessing.”
This is the largest back-to-school event in all of Fresno and it keeps on growing.
Each year, the community remains the focus for the West Fresno Family Resource Center.
“They carry their dreams and their backpacks. I mean, anything they put their inspiration and goals first. They are the future,” volunteer Tyrie Cyrus said.
