UMOS Back to School Fair distributes 1600 backpacks to families

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As kids are getting ready to go back to school, community organizations like UMOS are helping families prepare for the new school year with events like their annual Back to School Fair which took place Saturday morning.

The Umos Back to School Fair offered a lot of school supplies, resources and entertainment to families.

"We are looking for the backpacks and school supplies for my kids," said Carmen Sadi, who attended the event with her three kids. She said they recently got vaccinated.

"Some of the people that have been coming here are actually people that are struggling and they have more like four or five kids. This is very helpful and every little bit will help," said Carmen Lerma, the director for corporate and community events at UMOS.

The fair gave away over 1600 backpacks with school supplies to kids. The Milwaukee Brewers gave away 100 of those backpacks and Telemundo Wisconsin distributed 500 of those backpacks to families who stopped by the event.

"I think during COVID-19 most people don’t really get their supplies in stores because they ran out so I think the fair helps other students who don’t get supplies," said Nuraisha Nurislam, an attendee of the event.

The fair was also a chance for kids to get free haircuts, face painting and have some fun before the start of the new school year.

"Families are happy to be here, happy to get the resources that they need, getting the backpacks and looking for new schools so that's good for us," said Ludy's Evratt, the community school coordinator for Zablocki Community School.

"We see a lot of good resources and that’s important for us to get information," said Sadi.

Local schools, health and community organizations offered resources to families as they stopped by their booth.

"I think fairs like this are important because it allows parents the opportunity to interact with different agencies and different schools and learn what resources are available to them," said Evratt.

Health organizations like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield were answering health and covid related questions and letting families know of vaccination opportunities.

"We're excited we want to make sure we're here for the community any way we can to serve the families in our community.  We have a clinic on the north side and we are vaccinating every week with Hayat Pharmacy," said Rita Saavedra, the marketing manager for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

"UMOS is here basically not only to provide services but to also help out the community. I'm all about giving back," said Lerma.

Organizers of the event said they had a great turnout this year and said they are happy to offer these crucial resources and services during this time of the pandemic as many families continue to face hardships.

To learn more about UMOS, click here.