Backpack angel trees going up soon

On June 20, backpack angel trees will be set up at Marion Presbyterian Church, Eastmoor United Methodist Church, Valley United Methodist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Christian Church, Lanning Pharmacy, and Tampa State Bank.

Anyone may pick up a backpack card with a list of needs, purchase those supplies, and return the items to the location where the card was picked up.

All supplies should be turned in by July 20. Distribution will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 3 at Marion Community Center ballroom.

Applications for a backpacks can still be made by picking up a form at Marion County Resource Center/Food Bank. Any students who qualify free or reduced price lunches are eligible for school supplies.

Back to School with Packpacks was organized to ensure that all Marion County students have the supplies they need. Schools being served are Marion-Florence, Centre, Peabody-Burns, and Goessel.

More information is available from Becky Howard at (316) 377-9533.

Child screenings offered

Appointments are being accepted for free developmental screening of children age 5 and younger.

Children will be checked for cognitive, motor, speech, language, social and emotional development. Vision and hearing also will be checked.

Hour-long appointments will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18 in Marion and may be scheduled by calling Marion County Early Intervention Services at (620) 382-2858 Ext. 7.