Back to school: Delaware County focuses on more than just school supplies as it prepares children for the school year

YEADON, Pennsylvania. – With school starting again in just a few weeks, students in the area need everything from backpacks to books, but a school fair focused on bigger problems.

The first back-to-school fair in Delaware County was such a success that school supplies sold out within 20 minutes.

The organizers bought more, but their interest went far beyond just pencils and paper.

The Delaware County Health Department had no idea what to expect at the first-ever Back to School Fair, so they were a little surprised when people started lining up long before the fair even began.

“This is important because there are so many families in our county and other counties that don't have access to health care to get these services. So it's so satisfying to know that they may not be able to get backpacks, and many of them didn't because we ran out,” explained Dr. Gifty Key with the health department. “They're still so incredibly grateful that they can get their eyes checked, that their children and their families can get their teeth checked. So this is incredibly satisfying because this means more. This means so much more than just a backpack or a box of crayons.”

Linda Meadows said: “It's quite convenient, just up the road, not too far.”

Meadows, of Upper Darby, took her daughter Aminah for an eye exam.

Linda Meadows of Upper Darby took her daughter Aminah for an eye exam.

Angela Meadows commented, “I think it's beautiful. A lot of people don't have enough money to buy the different things they need for their children, and I think Delaware County should have more of these things because Philadelphia always does that. So this area needs something too.”

Aminah Meadows added: “I just got here and am getting my new glasses.”

Other parents took advantage of the free dental services or made sure their children received all the necessary vaccinations – everything they needed to make sure their children were ready to return to school.

“This helps a lot of families, especially the families that have migrated to the United States. So it's beneficial for them, especially if they have children who don't have the necessary health insurance so they can do this,” said Jennifer Sinchi.

Dr Key added: “It is incredibly rewarding and shows us that our work is making a difference. What we do matters.”

According to organizers, they realize that the need for all health services is so great that they plan to make this an annual event.