BY JORDAN TROUTMAN jtroutman@cherryroad.com

The Back to School Fair has been helping Barry County students walk into the first day of school with confidence for more than 20 years.

Gail Reed, OACACBarry County Neighborhood Center supervisor, said the school fair is open to any student from kindergarten to twelfth grade. “Students will receive backpacks, and we try to get all of the supplies on their school supply list,” she said. “Typically, we see 150-175 children sign up throughout the county.”

Reed said this year, there were 151 sign-ups. Sign-ups ended on July 7.

“That is more than what we had last year,” she said. “But, it is still down from past years. All in all, it is a good number of kids.”

The Cassville Methodist Church purchases all of the new shoes for children signed up.

“The rest of the supplies are purchased from financial donations, or donations of new supplies,” Reed said. “Most of the students who sign up are from Cassville, but we have students from Purdy, Wheaton, Exeter and Southwest as well.”

On the day of the distribution, students and families will gather that the Barry County Neighborhood Center.

“I reach out to those who signed up alphabetically and organized a time for them to show up,” Reed said. “The Barry-Lawrence Library bought books for everyone, and the children will receive backpacks, shoes, socks and supplies. “We will also have our clothing room open for additional school clothes — it’s all free.” Reed said she appreciates the fact that OACAC can do this for the students.

“I hate to think of a child on the first day of school without a backpack and supplies,” Reed said. “I hope it gives them a great start to the school year.”