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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Adair County students in need will have the chance to start the new academic school year with new school supplies for free.

The First United Methodist Church in Kirksville is hosting their 22nd annual Back to School Fair Wednesday.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., students and their parents can line up at the Kirksville Primary School and get basic school supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, markers, binders and backpacks for students preschool through 12th grade.

Organizers say that this gives them the opportunity to give back to the community.

"I'm a teacher myself so I've seen it first hand where kids come in and just don't have what they need. It really puts them at a disadvantage," said Fair Co-Chair Melissa Kinney. "We just feel this is a very important thing we can do for our community, our congregation comes together and supports us. We're very fortunate to be able to do this."

After the students get their free supplies they can go to the Health and Safety Fair in the same building where they can visit booths from 20 different organizations and get free health, vision and dental screenings.

It will be the first time both events are working together.

You must be an Adair County resident to participate.