Neighborhood Federation Back to School Fair set for Aug. 4

Published 11:25 am Friday, July 24, 2026

QUINCY — Another community effort returns this year to make sure students and families are ready for the start of the school year.

The Quincy Neighborhood Federation’s Back to School Fair takes place 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 on Payson Ave. between Eighth and Ninth.

The event features sports and school physicals, immunizations and lead testing, haircuts by local barbers and beauticians upstairs in the 812 Payson building and a free meal.

The federation provides hygiene bags filled with items including laundry detergent, dish soap and toilet paper to the first 150 families. Each child gets new socks, new underwear and new or gently used shoes along with a backpack and school supplies.

“We have 22 local agencies which offer a variety of services. Each booth will have a free school supply,” said Brittney Welch, director of Quincy Area Projects which oversees the federation. “We open it to anyone in the community. If you need it and can get here, we don’t question where you live.”

In one change from previous years, clothing will not be available at the fair.

“It was a lot of work for us, and a lot didn’t take it — they had to walk to our event and walk back. It’s a lot to carry,” Welch said, so instead, “we partnered with the Ladies of Charity, just kind of sharing resources.”

Preparations for the fair begin right after Christmas each year.

“We think it’s important for every child to have what they need to have a great start for the year, so they don’t feel left out or left behind,” Welch said. “It’s a very rewarding day, especially with all the little hugs you get and the thank yous.”