Nearly 2,000 Saline County children picked up backpacks full of school supplies Friday in anticipation of the upcoming school year. For the 12th year in a row a group of dedicated volunteers and organizations  teamed up for the Saline County Back to School Fair.

To qualify for the free basic school supplies, the child must live in Saline County and be a K-12 student in the 2013-2014 school year and must qualify for free or reduced school lunches.

Volunteer Brenda Gutierrez says that they work with the Saline County school dsitricts to compile a list so each child heads back to the classroom prepared. The grade-specific backpacks contain the basics, things like pencils, pens, crayons, scissors, glue, and paper. 

There were also multiple booths at the event. Childen could play games and win prizes. 

There were several basic services available as well. Things like free school and sports physicals, dental screens, and depression screenings were offered.

Gutierrez adds that an event like this wouldn’t be possible without cooperation from local businesses, agencies, and volunteers.

This year’s event was a little different than past years. It was a one-day event, with registration and distribution both taking palce at Lakewood Middle School in Salina.