If it seems like it gets dark just a tiny bit earlier every night, that is because it probably does.

As the days get just a bit shorter and the nights get just a bit cooler, that means summer is winding down. And as summer winds down, that means one thing for local kids – school will soon resume.

Getting ready for another school year can be a real chore for parents. Buying supplies and clothes, plus getting the kids any required physical and dental exams can be a big financial blow for some families.

The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. again joined forces earlier this month to ease that burden and at the same give families a fun night out.

Held on Aug. 6, it was called the Back to School Block Party. While the block party was in the evening, the event got underway much earlier in the day as the health center staff provided free well child checks, immunizations, sports physicals and dental exams.

The evening offered more health checks, plus a party featuring games, a free meal, informational booths and, for qualifying families, backpacks full of school supplies.

The parking lot behind the health center where the block party was held was crowded most of the evening. It is hard to tell just how many people showed up. The Webster County Pork Producers grilled and served 650 burgers, so at least that many people attended. There were likely more.

If this whole event led to just one child getting on the path to good health as a result of one of the checkups, it would be worth it. It also provided a lot of resources and fun for families.

Fort Dodge is fortunate to have two organizations willing to put together this event.

On behalf of the kids and families, we thank the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc.