MARION — The Franklin-Williamson County Positive Youth Development Action Team, the Bi-County Health Department and other partner organization will hold a free back to school event on Friday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bi-County Health Department on Express Drive in Marion, next to Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois.

This event will include free backpacks, free school supplies, free dental exams, free eye exams, immunizations, face painting, a resource fair, free food, games, free haircuts and more.

The event is geared towards youth and families to foster healthy development and family bonds by offering a day filled with not only fun activities, but an opportunity for positive growth and development for the entire family unit.

The Action Team hosts quarterly family fun events within Franklin and Williamson County to provide free family functions to community members. The overall goal of the FW-PYD is to “support and promote positive youth development in Franklin and Williamson County through prevention programs and services, networking and collaboration, and raising public awareness of resources devoted to the well-being of young people.”

Each “family fun” event hosts a resource fair. This ensures that not only does the event host a fun outing, but it also provides the resources, tools and network connections families need to thrive and succeed within the region. All events are made possible by donations from supporting agencies and organizations from surrounding areas.

Officials ask that you join them July 26th to show your support of positive youth and family development.