The Pagosa Community Initiative (PCI) is inviting families across Archuleta County to attend 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.
The community event is designed to help students begin the school year prepared, confident and ready to succeed while also bringing neighbors together in support of local families.
The fair will provide free school supplies, complimentary haircuts from local volunteer stylists, hygiene products and additional support services for families.
Put on by the PCI Family Resource Center, organizers say the event is intended to ease the financial strain that often comes with back-to-school shopping while creating a welcoming space where the community can connect and support one another.
Families attending the fair will also have the opportunity to meet local organizations offering information about education, health, youth programs and family services available throughout Archuleta County.
PCI states the goal is to connect families with helpful resources in one convenient location and make it easier for them to access the support they need.
“Our hope is that every family who attends leaves feeling supported and excited for the upcoming school year,” said PCI Family Services Director Steven Viola. “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.”
Planning for the fair is still underway, and additional activities, services and community partners are being added. PCI expressed gratitude for the support of local businesses, volunteers, organizations and community members helping make the event possible.
At the same time, PCI says school supply donations remain urgently needed. Community members are encouraged to donate items such as 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 at 550B Hot Springs Blvd. Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To make other arrangements for drop-off, call (970) 585-6461.
Families are encouraged to mark their calendars and join PCI on Aug. 22 for a day centered on student success, community support and a strong start to the school year.
For more information or to RSVP for specific services such as haircuts, contact Viola at (970) 585-6521 or familysupport@pagosacommunityinitiative.org.
Additional details on volunteer opportunities are available at www.pagosacommunityinitiative.org.
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