HARRISBURG, ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- The Harrisburg Medical Center helps kids get ready for the classroom as the beginning of the school year approaches.
Free sport physicals, school supplies, snacks and more were all a part of the facility's Operation Back to School.
Nearly 100 kids took part in Saturday's event either picking up supplies, getting a physical, or both.
Those physicals are mandated by the State and something the students need, but not all families can afford it.
Doctor James Alexander says the medical center expanded this year's mission to reach more kids by adding counties to the program.
"It's always great to be able to provide something for the community, for those that don't have the financial ability to pay for school physicals, so we're doing sports physicals today," he explains. "I don't think they've had enough summer yet, I don't think any of them are quit ready to go back to school, even talk about it, they're excited about the sports part, but not necessarily the class time."
There's another opportunity to schedule a free Physical for Next Saturday, July 24th. The Medical Center will be at Eldorado Primary Care from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
It's open to all K-through 12 students in Saline, Gallatin, White, Pope, and Hardin Counties.
