MacDill Back to School Info Fair: accelerating military children into school year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The Military Child Education Resource Fair jump-started military families into the school year by providing free school supplies and family support during the annual Back to School Info Fair at MacDill Air Force Base, Aug. 3, 2019.

“Every year the fair connects families and resources through a day of fun and support for all who attend,” said Nelly Richards, the 6th FSS school liaison officer. “Through donations and sponsors, we are providing wonderful connections for attendants to take advantage of.”

Donations were collected from community partners throughout the year to give to military families returning to school.

“This year’s event was Hangar 1 to make sure we could accommodate everyone who attended, as well as fill the space needed by all our sponsors,” said Richards. “The organizations involved ensured a worthwhile experience for families to satisfy their needs.”

Volunteers from the base and community handed out school supplies, backpacks, and informational programs on bicycle safety and anti-bullying. Students were also provided information on physicals and immunizations to get prepared. The event also hosted games, music and food provided by base partners and sponsors.

“It’s wonderful for families, especially ones with multiple children, to have events like these take place,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ayla Soltren, a 5th Battalion Army Reserves Career Division career counselor. “School supply lists can be so long and completing them with three children is daunting. Accomplishing these through the fair takes a huge weight off my back.”

For more information on future events or to leave feedback on this year’s event please contact Nelly Richards at 813-828-0146.