The Southside School Migrant Program is hosting its annual Health Fair on June 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Migrant Housing Center, located at 3235 Southside Road in Hollister.
The fair is an opportunity for migrant children and their parents to access much-needed medical, dental, hearing and vision screenings, as well as other resources. The Foothill Community Health Center will be on hand to conduct the screenings.
Paula Bonilla of Southside Migrant Education has organized the event on behalf of migrant children and their families since 2008. She is also an instructor and testing coordinator for the program.
Last year saw a record number of attendees, Bonilla said. She hopes this year will draw even more families.
“In the past, we’ve had kids that couldn’t read—who needed glasses and some kids who have never seen a dentist,” she said. “It’s not just the kids though, many of the adults need to see a dentist too.”
The fair also offers fun activities for families including music and dancing. The local 4-H will bring in animals for the children to enjoy.
Bonilla and the other organizers, including Irma Sanchez and Elias Barocio, express their gratitude to everyone who donates time, money, food, activities and resources to the fair.
“The school doesn’t have the budget for the fair; without the people who donate the fair wouldn’t be possible—the people make it possible,” Bonilla said.