Parents and children in need of items and resources are encouraged to attend the Kids and Family Resource Fair hosted by the Paternity Program, part of the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).

The event is set to take place today at the water tower and Farmers Market and begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Organizers will give away items such as diapers, wipes and others much-needed supplies a growing family need. Attendance is free of charge and connects families with nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations which offer services including health, wellness and safety information, child support assistance, paternity identification and other resources.

The McMinnville-Warren County CPS Coalition will be in attendance to conduct free car seat checks and those who meet the criteria for a new car seat will be given one on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Sparta’s coalition had a huge event and I couldn’t believe all the things they were giving to new and expecting families. It was really impressive and I know it will be the same with this event,” said McMinnville Police Department (MPD) Officer Mark Mara. “If you miss this opportunity for a car seat check, there will be other chances and appointments can be scheduled by calling a participating department if members of the coalition are available.”

Mara emphasized children do not have to be present to have the seat checked and no citations will be rendered for an improperly installed car seat. Bike helmets and bike lights will also be offered to those in need of them.

“This effort is not just MPD, this is all of our agencies working together to make this available to all of the public that the coalition serves,” said Mara. “We are all passionate about making the roads a safer place and if we didn’t have the heart for being a car seat technician, we wouldn’t do it.”