The Community Health Ministry Team hosted its 15th Annual Back to School Health Fair at the Mexico United Methodist Church on Sat. Aug. 3. The weather and turn-out was good, and over 600 bags of school supplies were handed out. This means that about 6,100 kids have participated in this event over the many years we’ve hosted this event.

CHMT members handed out the school supplies, based on the school grade the children were going to be starting in this fall. The Arthur Center was also in attendance and provided boxes of tissue. The Audrain County Health Department was there and provided backpacks, and dental supplies to the children. “Shoes from the Heart” from Macon provided instructions on how the kids could receive a new pair of tennis shoes after the school year opens.

“This year we had a wonderful turnout of community volunteers - about 80 individuals in total - that helped make this event a success once again,” said John Johnson, chairman of the Community Health Ministry Team. “Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to each of them, without whom we could not do this.”

Johnson also thanked sponsors: the Mexico United Methodist Church, Audrain County Health Department, Healthy Blue, Coil Construction, The Arthur Center, Shoes from The Heart, KXEO/KWWR Radio, The Mexico Ledger, The Ad Finder, Shoe Sensations, and Mexico Public Safety.

“Once again a big Thank You to The Anna Margaret Griffin Family Foundation, because without their continuing support this event could not have been as successful as it has become,” said Johnson.