The Salvation Army of Santa Barbara will join the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department on Thursday, Aug. 7 to distribute free backpacks and school supplies to local students as part of the county’s third annual Back-to-School Health Fair.

The free event will be 2-6 p.m. at Franklin Elementary School, 1111 E. Mason St. Families will be able to get school-required immunizations and sports physicals, and have access to a range of community services and resources.

As part of its commitment to local youth, The Salvation Army will host a dedicated booth and provide hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies.

“This partnership represents the best of what community collaboration can do,” said Kari Rudd, corps officer. “We are proud to stand alongside county leaders and serve families as they prepare for the school year.”

Now in its third year, the Back-to-School Health Fair aims to remove barriers to academic success by addressing both educational and health-related needs.

“The Salvation Army’s participation aligns with its broader mission to meet human needs without discrimination, including providing youth programs, food assistance, and emergency support services to families across Santa Barbara County,” the organization said.

Direct general questions about the event to the Franklin Clinic, 805-568-2099. For more about the Salvation Army of Santa Barbara, visit https://santabarbara.salvationarmy.org.