Get ready for another year of pencils, books and teachers' dirty looks at the Back to School Roundup and Information Fair.
Now in its fifth year, the free, three-hour event is designed to give children around the Norman area everything they need to start the school year, said John Helton, event director.
Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Alameda Church of Christ, 801 Alameda in Norman, the event will feature backpack giveaways, a magician, moon bounces, lunch and booths for area social agencies.
BACKPACKS
While supplies last, the church will give away approximately 700 backpacks full of school supplies to elementary and middle school students, Helton said. The packs are stuffed with such goodies as pens, pencils, rulers, crayons, markers, glue and three-ring binders, all purchased through donations by the church, as well as a local business that purchased the last 50 backpacks.
"It's a good time, and it's all free. School supplies get expensive, especially in these tough economic times," Helton said.
Every year, the roundup attracts approximately 1,200 to 1,500 people, including parents, so the backpacks can go fast, he said. Any leftover school supplies get donated to the local elementary and middle schools.
The social agencies, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Center for Children and Families, will speak to parents about how their particular programs can benefit the whole family.
For more information, call 321-0788.
"Jamie Birdwell
