Dayton event adds health screenings

Saturday’s wellness festival includes backto-school giveaways.

A popular community event that in past years has drawn hundreds of attendees is expanding this year to also be a wellness event and provide free shoes for children.

This is the first year that the Saturday event will include Five Rivers Health Centers, a nonprofit health center headquartered across from where Good Samaritan Hospital had been.

With the health center’s participation, the event can now include health screenings.

“We are excited about bringing this festival to our community again this year,” said Crystal Echols, planning committee chair. “Our neighbors look forward to this event every year, and with the addition of the health screenings and shoe giveaway, we expect this year to be the best yet.”

The event will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church, corner of Fairview Avenue and Catalpa Drive. The event is hosted by partners Agape Bible Fellowship, Fairview United Methodist Church, Fair River

Oaks Council and Five Rivers Health Centers.

The event can also help those impacted by the Memorial Day tornadoes looking for school supplies, food and clothing.

There will be free health, vision, and dental screening; education and information about community services and programs; free produce from the Dayton Foodbank; center stage entertainment; refreshments; free school supplies and clothing.

New this year, Shoes for the Shoeless will fit and distribute free shoes to children. Shoe distribution is from 11 a.m. to noon only.

For more information on this event, visit www.daytonwellnessoutreach.org or call 937-274-2189.