SAN ANTONIO – Families in House District 117 gathered Saturday, Aug. 1, for an annual back-to-school fair hosted by Texas state Rep. Dr. Philip Cortez and the San Antonio Food Bank that offered free backpacks, school supplies and a range of health and community services.
The event was held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd., with the official program and remarks beginning at 10:30 a.m. It was free and open to the public.
In addition to distributing backpacks and school supplies for children in surrounding communities, University Health administered low- to no-cost immunizations.
The UT Health Science Center offered no-cost dental screenings, and the Harlandale ISD Career & Technical Education Program provided no-cost haircuts. Other community partners were also on hand with resources and supplies.
“I am grateful for the 20 community partners and 10 generous sponsors that allow an event of this scale to come together,” Cortez said. “It is my firm belief that education is the great equalizer, and it is of the utmost importance for our community to band together and support the upcoming generation.
My team and I believe that this coordinated effort to provide vaccines, haircuts, and dental screenings in addition to supplies helps ensure the success of the upcoming school year.”