A one-stop shop for all the back-to-school basics, the 17th Annual Mayor’s Back To School Fair, presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, will take place Thursday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Automobile and Centennial buildings at Fair Park.
Many parents agree that costs can quickly add up when preparing children for the first day of school. That’s why so many community supporters continue to come together every year to help students and families with their school-related needs at the Mayor’s Back To School Fair. From free school supplies for Dallas schoolchildren (who meet specific eligibility requirements), to free health, dental and vision screenings, immunizations and haircuts, to the latest information on education, health and social services, the 17th Annual Fair offers parents and children everything they need for the first day of school. Plus, the Fair will feature musical entertainment, kids activities, games, interactive demos and more.
“A big thanks to the donors, nonprofit partners, schools, media sponsors and volunteers who step up every year to support students and education in Dallas,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.“Because of them, the Mayor’s Back to School Fair helps thousands of Dallas families prepare so children are ready to learn the very first day of school.”
Walmart will conduct free vision screenings and offer general health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks, for all family members. The Baylor School of Dentistry will provide free dental screenings, fluoride applications, free toothbrushes and toothpaste to students, and offer free oral health information. Dallas County Health & Human Services will provide free immunizations. Essilor Vision Foundation will provide free eyeglasses to children who qualify (first come, first served basis). And Cedric B’s Barber and Beauty Salon and Ogle School of Hair, Skin and Nails will offer free haircuts so children will look sharp the first day of school.
Educational information and services, in English and Spanish, will be offered at hundreds of community resource booths on crime prevention, fire safety, college readiness, housing, transportation, personal finances, health, nutrition and literacy. Dallas ISD will provide information on magnet schools, scholarship and alternative programs, psychological and social services, parenting, and family literacy. In addition, Half Price Books will donate more than 7,000 books. North Texas Food Bank is partnering with Walmart to provide fresh fruit for families.
IMPORTANT: Although the Fair’s array of activities and services are free and open to the public, free school supplies are available ONLY to those who meet specific eligibility requirements (must be public school students pre-K through 12th grades who reside in the City of Dallas or attend a Dallas ISD school and meet the 2013 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines). A PHOTO ID, PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND PROOF OF INCOME ARE REQUIRED TO QUALIFY.
Picture ID includes state driver’s license, state identification card, military identification card, or foreign consulate-issued identification (i.e. Matricula Consular). City of Dallas proof of residency includes May, June, July or August 2013 utility bill (electricity, water, phone or gas) showing applicant name and current address or letter from landlord or apartment management company, on company letterhead, indicating proof of residency during May, June, July or August 2013.
Proof of Income may be verified using paycheck stubs from May, June, July or August 2013 or a letter dated in May, June, July or August 2013 on agency or company letterhead from an employer, welfare office, caseworker, or Social Security Administration Office indicating annual income and signed by an agent of the company or agency. Letter must include contact phone number for verification. Other qualifying documents include a Medicaid letter, Lone Star Program Card and a Dallas ISD letter indicating qualification for free lunch program.
Focusing on helping students with many of their school-related needs, the Mayor’s Back To School Fair is a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas, Dallas area schools, public health departments, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and hundreds of volunteers.
The Mayor’s Back To School Fair is free and open to the public. Parking is also free, or visitors can take the DART Rail Green Line to the Fair Park or MLK, Jr. station. Fair Park is located at 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210.
For more information, please call the City of Dallas information line at 311 or click here for details in English and Spanish.
Story and photo courtesy of Becky Mayad