During the current economic downturn, it is more important than ever for people from all walks of life to be made aware of these valuable resources. Please plan to be there and learn all you can, or to set up a booth to distribute information that is beneficial to our community. We will be collecting and distributing school supplies this year as part of our Back To School theme. We will also have someone there to educate children on safety as they head back to classes this fall.

We are inviting all agencies, groups, and businesses that provide any type of assistance to residents of the Mansfield area to participate. We want them to let the public know about their programs and how they can be accessed when needed. Those who participated in last year's event found it to be a very useful experience and a fantastic networking opportunity. We attracted presenters and guests from Ashland, Marion, Richland, and Wayne counties.

Thank You St. Luke's Lutheran Church
For the second year, the Community Information Fair will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church located in the point at the 5-way light. The church has once again donated their kitchen, social area, and parking lot areas for us to use to host the Community Information Fair. We want to thank them sincerely for their thoughtful and generous contribution to this important event.

No Charge To Set Up A Display
We encourage any and all businesses and service agencies to take advantage of this opportunity to spread the word about their programs and provide information to the public about how they can be reached. There will be plenty of room to set up a nice display and there is no charge for admission or participation. In lieu of a registration fee, we are asking participants to bring handouts, a small table for your display, promotional items, and/or school supplies that will be distributed to families with school aged children that may need help due to the economy.

In spite of the recent layoffs, we are again looking forward to participation by our local emergency response departments. This is a great opportunity for the public to come and meet with city officials who will be on hand to meet and greet and answer any questions you may have. We will also have the DARE Truck present, as well as a magician, face painting, games, a crafts table, and much more. Refreshments will also be provided throughout the afternoon.

Neighborhood Watch
In addition to the many other agencies and programs being presented at the 2009 Community Information Fair, there will be opportunities for you to get involved with the Neighborhood Watch programs in the Mansfield area. With the recent layoffs and reduction in our police forces, your participation in your local Neighborhood Watch group is more critical and appreciated than ever before. Here's your chance to get involved, make a difference, and take a bite out of the crime in YOUR neighborhood!

School Supplies Needed
Unfortunately, there are many families in our area who have become victims of the poor economy. Kids will be returning to school this fall needing the same things as always, school supplies! Since our theme this year is "Back To School", we want this event to help as many kids as possible equipped with the basic gear they need in order to learn. Please bring as many school supplies as you can spare the money for. Even if it a single notebook or package of pencils, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS AND IS APPRECIATED!!

We sincerely hope that everyone will want to attend, whether as a presenter or just to come and enjoy the activities and gather information. If your group or organization wants to participate but cannot be there in person, we will have a large information table that you may place brochures, flyers, etc. upon for visitors to collect as they browse the displays. Just bring your handouts to us anytime before the show and we will make sure they are placed on the table for you.

Donations of prizes, school supplies, refreshments, or money will be greatly appreciated and put to very good use, and will help us make this year's Community Information Fair a "Not To Be Missed Community Event" We also need volunteers to assist us in planning, set-up, manning the show, and helping us clean up after everyone leaves. Your time and talents will be appreciated.

We are expecting a huge turnout for this event. Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to participate. There will only be so much room, so reserve your display space now while available. Deadline for registration will be August 11, 2009.