By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

GARYVILLE – St. Charles Community Health Center is partnering with Marathon and a group of area churches in an effort to make back to school shopping a little easier for some Garyville area families.

The Health Center is working with the St. John Association of Pastors and Ministers, Marathon, True Light, Greater New Zion, Mt. Zion No. 1 and New Hopeful Baptist churches in Garyville for the second annual Back-2-School giveaway and health fair, which is happening today from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at True Light Baptist Church, 258 S. Little Hope St. in Garyville.

Julia Bodden, community outreach coordinator for St. Charles Community Health Center, said the event helps multiple families in the area who are under financial pressure ensure their children have the proper supplies needed when school begins next month.

Bodden said last year’s “Back-2-School” project helped 150 children in the Garyville community. She said with Marathon’s support this time around, the project will be able to help an additional 100 children.

In addition to the supply giveaway, the health center will provide medical professionals who will answer health questions and conduct blood pressure, glucose and vision screening. Mr. Alligator also will give a demonstration on proper teeth brushing.

Information on LaChip/Medicaid and Social Security will be distributed and other vendors will also provide information on medication assistance, attention deficit disorder, library services, hurricane preparedness and other topics of interest.

Facepainting and door prizes will be offered, and popcorn, snowballs, nachos and hot dogs will be served on site.