To help prepare students and parents for the start of the 2014-2015 school year — Sept. 3 for most Sequim schools — local education advocates are planning a Back to School Fair, scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club, 400 W. Fir St.

Activities and services include books, games, secure IDs, face painting, haircuts, school supplies, car seat checks, sports physicals, entertainment, information about immunization and local preschools, a silent auction and more.

The event, presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, Sequim School District and First Teacher, is free. It replaces what was previously known as the Dungeness Kids Fair.

To make a donation or for more information about the Back to School Fair, call Cynthia Martin at 681-2250 or e-mail info@firstteacher.org.

For more information about Sequim schools, go to the district website at www.sequim.k12.wa.us or call the district office at 582-3260.

Supporting organizations are the Sequim School District, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, Parenting Matters, United Way of Clallam County, Sodexo Food Services, First Federal, Highway 101 Diner and Shaltry & Rudd Orthodontics.

Following the fair is BLOCK Fest — an interactive math, science and literacy event for parents and their children ages 8 months-8 years — at the Helen Haller Elementary School gym, 350 W. Fir St. For more infor-mation about BLOCK Fest, call Marilyn Walsh at 582-3262.

Businesses challenged to donate school supplies

Oscar Lopez, owner of Oscar Lopez Painting Company, is challenging other businesses to match his donation of up to $500 for the purchase of backpacks and school supplies for students in need. His wife, Jennifer Lopez, teaches fourth grade at Greywolf Elementary School in Carlsborg.

“As a painting business owner, I know the importance of having the right tools to produce quality work,” he says. “For kids, school is their work, and starting the year off with new supplies gives them the confidence they need to do their best.”

To kick off a donation drive for school supplies, a Stuff the Bus event was held on Aug. 2 in the Walmart parking lot. Shoppers were invited to purchase school supplies and drop them into cardboard containers. Cash donations also have been received. With the cash donations, purchases are being made to fill in what is still needed.

Donations of school supplies may be dropped off at the district office (503 N. Sequim Ave.) or at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club (400 W. Fir St.). The school supplies will be distributed during the Aug. 23 Back to School Fair at the Boys & Girls Club from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Those interested in making a donation to be used for purchasing needed school supplies may call Cynthia Martin at 681-2250.