A return to school for the fall semester is a step closer following the Moniteau County Back to School Fair, held as a drive-thru event for the first time.
This year's Back to School Fair was July 28. This was the fair's 11th year, but this time as a drive-thru due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Though other counties canceled their back to school fairs, the Moniteau County Alliance for Kids felt there was still a significant need for Moniteau County's fair, especially due to the financial hardships brought on as a result of the pandemic. The Alliance decided on a drive-thru system to keep everyone safe, meaning the fair's usual health station and other vendors were canceled.
Since monetary donations were down this year, organizers had to limit the supplies provided in each bag. Thanks to a donation from United Way of Central Missouri, bags were able to include hand sanitizer and one box of tissues.
"The bags were all the same, regardless if the student was in kindergarten or a sophomore in high school," Moniteau County Alliance for Kids president Michele Stufflebean said. "This made for a simpler process, and we tried to pack the most used supplies by all schools and grades. Our hope is whatever supplies that were not necessarily relevant for that student and grade would be donated to someone who can use them."
Organizers handed out 270 supply bags. Although registration was down, Stufflebean said they were pleased they were able to help so many families. The group is hopeful that next year, they will be able to resume with the normal fair format. If not, they will adapt again.