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. will again join forces to ease that burden and at the same give families a fun night out.

The groups’ annual Back to School Block Party is set for Tuesday evening. While the block party will be in the evening, the event will get underway much earlier in the day, as the health center staff will provide free well child checks, immunizations, sports physicals and dental exams.

The block party will begin at 5 p.m. It will offer more health checks, plus a party in the parking lot behind the health center at 126 N. 10th St., featuring games, a free meal, informational booths and, for qualifying families, backpacks full of school supplies.

If this whole event leads to just one child getting on the path to good health as a result of one of the checkups, it will be worth it. It will also provide 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.

And we encourage families to go to Tuesday’s Back to School Block Party.