Help Fair brings community together “to serve our kids”

Published 12:56 pm Saturday, August 1, 2026

QUINCY — Victory Chukwu headed into Iles Elementary School, eager to put her skills to work to help others.

“It’s my way of contributing to Quincy,” the first-year resident at SIU Center for Family Medicine-Quincy, said. “Serving people here is something I’m really excited for.”

Just as excited were children waiting in a long line outside of Iles Elementary School for the annual Back to School Help Fair, eager to choose the perfect backpack and other supplies to start the school year.

One mom waiting with her daughter, an incoming kindergartner, and her son, an incoming fifth-grader, said the fair is important for families.

“There’s a lot of times that we don’t have the financial means to get everything they need for school,” the mom said.

“I normally shop all year round, but I haven’t been doing that very well” because of the high prices for back-to-school items,” another mom said, adding that “hopefully” her kids would find all they need at the fair.

“It’s an important day because students can get the health needs they need as well as all the back-to-school supplies, haircuts and clothing to be ready for school,” said Quincy Public Schools Nursing Director Brandy Kirby, who helps organize the annual fair.

“We are seeing an increase in prices – health care, food and school supplies. People are struggling. Hopefully this will help.”

Chukwu joined the team of health care volunteers providing physicals, immunizations and dental care for students.

“I always wanted to give back to the community where I am from, where I belong or where I am working,” fellow resident Shret Chaniyara said. “Helping the students out for their health care is what we can do.”

Rev. Orville Jones, another of the fair’s organizers, gathered volunteers together for prayer and thanks ahead of staffing tables to hand out backpacks filled with school supplies.

“We come together to serve our kids and their families,” Jones said. “We’re wrapping our arms around each other, sharing the good news, helping others. Let them see Christ in you.”

Retired teacher and school administrator Jan Stanley volunteered for a fourth year to hand out backpacks.

“I actually loved going to school as a kid and going to work as an adult. I can’t help but make it fun for all these kids to get all this new stuff,” Stanley said.

“I just enjoy volunteering and helping children,” said former teacher Gingie Holzgrafe, who worked with the clothing. “It’s important to have kids start off the school year in a positive way with things they need. It’s very worthwhile, definitely a need in the community.”

Iles Principal Brad Funkenbusch offered hellos to familiar families and directions to others to find health care, haircuts and other services.

“It’s an opportunity to open up our school for the community, working with our community churches to put on this event for our kids in Quincy and get them started back to school on the right foot,” said Funkenbusch, who was happy to see the halls filled with people. “It’s always nice. Give me a school full of kids. Absolutely.”