The Pagosa Community Initiative (PCI) is inviting Archuleta County families to its free Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pagosa Springs High School commons, and the organization is asking the community to help stock the event with school supply donations.
The fair, hosted by the PCI Family Resource Center, will provide free school supplies, complimentary haircuts from local volunteer stylists, hygiene products and other support services aimed at helping students start the school year prepared and confident.
Families will also be able to connect with local organizations offering information on education, health, youth programs and family services.
“Our hope is that every family who attends leaves feeling supported and excited for the upcoming school year,” said Steven Viola, PCI Family Services director. “Going back to school should be an exciting time for children, and we want to help reduce some of the stress families may experience by providing school essentials, free services and connections to valuable community resources.”
PCI states planning is still underway and more activities, services and community partners may be added.
The organization is also seeking donations of new school supplies to help meet local needs. Requested items include backpacks, notebooks, composition books, loose-leaf paper, pencils, pens, colored pencils, markers, crayons, highlighters, erasers, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, child-friendly scissors, rulers, index cards, folders, binders, sticky notes, calculators, pencil cases, lunch boxes, toiletries, disinfectant wipes and tissues.
Donations may be dropped off at the PCI office, 550B Hot Springs Blvd., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For alternate drop-off arrangements, call (970) 585-6461.
Families interested in attending are encouraged to mark their calendars for Aug. 22.
Spaces for haircuts are filling up fast and an RSVP is highly recommended. Please reach out to Viola at (970) 585-6521 or familysupport@pagosacommunityinitiative.org to get your haircut appointment time.
School supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and no advance signup is required. Families also do not need to sign up in advance to visit the community partners providing resources and services at the event.
Information about volunteer opportunities is available at pagosacommunityinitiative.org.
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