Holy Cross Episcopal Church hosting free Back-to-School Wellness Fair Saturday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As a new school year approaches, Holy Cross Episcopal Church is helping local families get ready with a little fun and a lot of support.

The church will host a Back-to-School Wellness Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its campus on Myrtle Grove Road. The event is free and open to the public, with services and activities geared toward children ages 4 to 12.

“This is our first event like this, and it’s our way to reach out to the community and support families and children and have them get off to a good start for the school year,” said Event Chair Allison Rankin.

The fair includes a variety of partners, including the New Hanover County Fire and Rescue, Health and Human Services, the Sheriff’s Office, as well as students from UNCW and Cape Fear Community College.

“There will be information about water and swim safety and bike safety,” Rankin said. “We’ll also have people on hand from Novant Community Care Cruiser to give immunizations to those who qualify. Kids will be able to fly kites and play games. We’ll have a DJ on hand. We also have a nature trail children can check out. And of course, the school supply giveaways. We’ll have refreshments as well.”

Co-chair Lenora Norris has helped lead the backpack drive that will provide free school supplies to children.

“While supplies last, we will be providing each child with a stuffed backpack filled with school supplies and various other things,” Norris said.

She added, “It costs a lot of money to get your child prepared for school. And so we want to make sure that every child has the supplies that they need. And this helps the entire family as well as the individual child.”

The church is located at 5820 Myrtle Grove Road. No registration is required to attend.

“People are welcome to sign up for a raffle,” Rankin said. “We’ll be giving away a super duper book bag stuffed with supplies.”

She says the event is a chance for families to have fun and connect with community resources.

“Come pick up a folder with information, be ready to have fun,” Rankin said. “The target group is ages 4 to 12, but anyone younger or older can come. Just come out and really enjoy one another and get to know us and be a part of the greater community.”

The event will be held rain or shine.

More information can be found here.