Families preparing for the start of another school year found more than notebooks and folders Saturday at Breeze Park. They also found a reminder that they are not preparing for the year alone.

Organizations from across Moffat County gathered for a back-to-school supply fair, offering school supplies, information and connections to services ranging from health care and food assistance to education, child care and family support.

United Way of the Yampa Valley stepped in to organize the fair this year, helping families ease some of the financial pressure that comes with sending children back to school.

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Jamie Miller of United Way said the event fills an important community need, particularly for households trying to outfit multiple children for the classroom.

Although organizers could not provide every item needed for every grade, Miller said the goal was to give families what they could and help reduce some of the stress that comes with the start of school.

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“It’s a financial burden to get everything, especially for families with multiple kids,” Miller said.

For students, Miller said even something as simple as beginning the year with school supplies can help create a positive start. Returning to class can bring its own worries, particularly for children entering a new school, moving to Craig or trying to make new friends.

The fair was designed not only to provide supplies but also to get students excited about what lies ahead.

That message of encouragement was repeated throughout the park.

Cuyler Meade, director of communications and grants for Moffat County School District, said seeing so many organizations come together for local children was a powerful example of the support available in the community.

“I cannot overstate how much gratitude I feel when I see the community come out for our kids,” Meade said.

He said organizations may arrive with giveaways and information, but the larger value comes from building connections with students and parents.

“The more we surround our kids with support, the more we surround our kids with love and with opportunities,” Meade said.

Those connections covered a wide range of needs.

Colorado Northwestern Community College shared information about adult basic education, including free English classes for Spanish speakers and GED programs. Theresa King said those services can help parents strengthen communication with teachers while also pursuing their own educational goals.

Her hope for students is that they learn how they can contribute to the place they call home and “work together to build our community into the best it can be.”

Other organizations focused on needs that can directly affect a student’s ability to succeed in class.

Kristen Weese, who helps families enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the Family Resource Center Association, said her hope is that students have enough food to focus while they are at school.

Northwest Colorado Health representatives shared information about medical and dental services, while The Health Partnership highlighted substance use and recovery support, care coordination, health coverage assistance and other community resources.

The Boys & Girls Club was also on hand to support families and help students begin the year prepared.

Executive Director Dana Duran said the fair helps children get the supplies and information they need “to start the year out strong.” Her hope is that children thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Amy Allen of the Moffat County Library encouraged families to take advantage of free library cards, reading programs and other services that supplement what students receive in school.

She said she hopes children learn that information is important, but that learning can also be fun.

For some organizations, being present Saturday was also about making sure families know where to turn when challenges arise.

Representatives from Advocates and the Child Advocacy Center spoke about services available to children and families dealing with crime, abuse or safety concerns. Their message to students was that trusted adults are available and that young people should speak up when they need help.

Sara Hayes of Northwest Colorado Health and Prevention Services said Saturday’s fair was the busiest she has seen in three years of attending the event.

“There were more families, more kids, more needs,” Hayes said.

That made the turnout from local agencies especially meaningful.

Bank of the San Juans, Valley View Preschool and other community partners also took part, each offering its own form of support while sharing a similar hope: that students feel welcomed, supported and ready to learn as the school year begins.

Meade said families facing challenges should remember that help is available throughout the community.

“Look for help, ask for help,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with needing help. We all need it sometimes.”