PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District and Lutheran Community Services will host the 13th annual Port Angeles Back to School Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The fair will be at the Lincoln Center, 905 W. Ninth St. Families within Port Angeles are invited to come out for this in-person and drive-through event. During this time, the Clallam Health Department will host a walk-in, pop-up COVID vaccination clinic for everyone 12 and older.
“Back to school can be a financial hardship for some families, and this event helps lessen that burden,” said Lisa Lyon, program manager for Lutheran Community Services.
“The Back-to-School Fair supports some of our most vulnerable kids in such a fun and inclusive way that speaks to the nature of our community.”
More than 50 percent of the students enrolled in Port Angeles schools are eligible for free or reduced lunches.
Students in need will receive free school supplies, meal bags, health care, haircuts, clothes and community information.
This year’s volunteers and donors include the Olympic Peninsula YMCA, North Olympic Library System, Costco, Kiwanis Club of Port Angeles, Olympic Kiwanis of Port Angeles, Sound Community Bank, Steve Methner-State Farm Agency, United Way of Clallam County and the Port Angeles Education Foundation.
“Without these sponsorships and support, this event could not happen year after year,” said Carmen Geyer, Port Angeles School District communications coordinator.
“For the past 13 years, the Back to School Fair has provided critical support to ensure all our students receive the tools they need to be successful,” Geyer said.
“It’s great to see our community working together to do great things for our students who are returning to school full-time in the fall.”
Families are encouraged to attend in whatever capacity they feel comfortable. Those who choose the drive-through option will receive information, meal bags and school supplies. As always, those who are feeling ill are urged to stay home. Masks must be worn if inside, and everyone must maintain 6 feet of physical distance whenever possible.
This year’s in-person event will feature outdoor booths sponsored by local organizations and programs, including North Olympic Healthcare Network, Head Start, Healthy Transitions, YMCA and Partners for Action Voices for Empowerment (PAVE).
Families can visit information booths to learn more about bus routes, nutritional services in the schools and family resources.
“Last year, we handed out school supplies to over 700 students,” Geyer said. “This year, we anticipate a greater number, and we are grateful to offer both in-person and drive-through options for our families.”
