Marshall County Back 2 School Fun Fair Attracts More Than 1K Students

MOUNDSVILLE -- More than 1,000 students lined up to receive free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and more during the Back 2 School Fun Fair in Moundsville on Wednesday.

The annual event offers families the chance to receive the many items needed to get ready for the new school year. The students also got some free food items this year to help stock their cupboards. The free haircuts were given by First Impression salon.

Salon owner Samantha Jasinski said she enjoys giving back to the community. She noted she and her employee Katie Nelson would likely each cut 50 heads of hair during the fair.

"That's why I do it, to give back. It's just something to do because they support us and it's nice to be able to support them back," Jasinski said.

Jessica Jasinski, receptionist at First Impression and Samantha Jasinski's daughter, said she started volunteering at the fair when she was 13 years old.

"It means a lot to me to give back to my community," she said. "Since I am younger these are people I know, my peers, friends and family.

"They come in every year and get their hair cut and we build this relationship with them.

"It means a lot to give back to people, to help them out before the school year."

Fair participant Shonda Newell brought her children TaeVaughn, 4, and Amaya, 7, to the event for the first time after learning about it from a friend.

"This turned out to be really fun. We like it a lot," she said as her children got their hair cut.

"Thank you to all of them - everyone who donated and participated. It's much appreciated," Newell said.

Many local agencies and companies set up tables full of items to give way during the fair. The Family Resource Network brought more than 1,000 boxes of toothpaste to give to students.

Kimberly Green, executive director of the FRN, said they also gave families a resource guide for all the agencies who offer help in Marshall County.

"It's important for us to be a part of this community event and help the kids in the community get the supplies they need to go back to school," she said.

Right beside the FRN's toothpaste table, Charlene Rine, dental hygienist with the Marshall County Health Department, was giving out toothbrushes and dental floss.

"A lot of families aren't able to afford all these supplies. It's wonderful that they're able to come here and get the things they need for the school year," Rine said.

Susie Baker, who founded the fair and is the school district's parent educator, said she anticipated at least 1,300 coming to the fair that lasted three hours. She said learning that some people lined up the night before to get in was "heartbreaking."

"I'm going to go shopping afterward. If we run out they're still going to get it," she said of the supplies. "That makes me sad that they come that early."

Baker noted after last year's fair ended she shopped for more items to give away, which made the total number of students helped reach 1,900.

Baker said the fair helps take the stress off the parents trying to get their children ready for a new school year.

"It's important because it lets the community know we care about them," she said.

The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Aug. 22. Kindergarten begins Aug. 23. Prekindergarten begins Aug. 29.