By admin 
What started as an idea inspired by another school district has quickly become one of Western Placer Unified School District’s largest community outreach efforts, with this year’s Back-to-School Resource Fair expected to surpass last year’s record attendance before the event even begins.
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The annual fair was created after district staff attended the California Statewide Homeless Education Conference in San Diego, where they connected with staff from the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District and observed its long-running resource fair for students and families.
Mikaela Zimmerman, WPUSD foster and homeless youth liaison, said she was inspired by the other district’s efforts.
“We were incredibly inspired by the impact they were having in their community,” she said. “We attended their event, learned from their model, and brought that vision back to Lincoln.”
Last year’s inaugural event exceeded expectations by serving 590 students with free backpacks, school supplies, books and haircuts, along with connections to community organizations — all at no cost to families.
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Organizers said demand has continued to grow. A new pre-registration system designed to improve efficiency shows that 592 students have already signed up for this year’s event, surpassing the total number served last year.
Families attending the fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Lincoln High School parking lot, 790 J St., will receive free backpacks, school supplies, books for every child and haircuts, and can connect with dozens of local nonprofit groups and Placer County agencies offering information on family services and community resources.
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New this year is a partnership with Partnership HealthPlan of California, which will provide free vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams and glasses for students who need them.
“Vision is such an important part of learning, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this service on-site,” Zimmerman said.
Organizers have also focused on making the event welcoming and accessible to all families. Through a partnership with the Latino Leadership Council, bilingual support will be available throughout the event to help Spanish-speaking families navigate resources, ask questions and connect with local organizations.
“Representation and accessibility have been priorities from the very beginning,” Zimmerman said.
District leaders said the fair reflects the power of community collaboration, bringing together schools, nonprofit groups, businesses, healthcare providers and public agencies to support students before the first day of school.
“To me, this event represents what can happen when schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations come together with one shared goal: helping kids start the school year with confidence and ensuring families know they have a community standing behind them,” Zimmerman said. “It isn’t just about handing out backpacks—it’s about building relationships, removing barriers, and making sure every student has the opportunity to begin the year feeling prepared, supported and connected.”
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