![scenes from the Resource Fair, including an officer helping a student, a student with a bicycle, a student with a new backpack, and a student trying on shoes]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722984759/nmusdus/ttidlxoqwo5q5ssfxdzh/ResourceFair2024.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722984759/nmusdus/ttidlxoqwo5q5ssfxdzh/ResourceFair2024.png","width":512}])
In partnership with the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living and IKEA, Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) welcomed more than 2,000 people to its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair on August 3. More than 60 community partners provided school-aged children with backpacks filled with school supplies, shoes, clothing, and lunch boxes, plus access to health and dental care, extracurricular activities, transportation, and housing, all at no cost.
“Saturday’s event was a snapshot of the collaboration, dedication, and generosity of the Newport-Mesa community to ensure our students and families feel prepared, confident, and excited to start school. The Resource Fair shows what can be accomplished when we work together to support our students and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith.
In addition to Dr. Smith, NMUSD staff members and students volunteered alongside more than 150 community members to help provide a jumpstart for a successful school year. NMUSD Board President Carol Crane, Board Vice President Krista Weigand, Board Members Ashley Anderson and Lisa Pearson, 5th District Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, 73rd District California Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, and Costa Mesa City Councilman Manuel Chavez were also among the attendees.
Thank you to representatives from every NMUSD high school community including the football teams of Costa Mesa High School and Corona del Mar High School and the Costa Mesa High School ASB for helping to make this event possible. Thank you also to the following community organizations that partnered with NMUSD to provide families with valuable resources, including bicycles, helmets, skateboards, sports balls, booster seats, life vests, books, and more:
- IKEA
- Hoag
- Karina’s Backpacks
- Orange County United Way
- Share Ourselves
- Foster Love
- Beyond Athletics
- Clinic in the Park
- Vans
- Power of One
- Bracken’s Kitchen
“We appreciate our community partners, volunteers, and everyone involved in providing invaluable support and resources for our students to have what they need for a successful school year,” said Christy Flores, Director of Engagement, Partnership, and Expanded Learning.
Visit the NMUSD photo library to view and download event photos at no cost.