Although in its 13th year, 2019 is the first time state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, has hosted his Family and Community Expo at the PPL Center, 701 W. Hamilton St., Allentown.

The Aug. 1 indoor event provided area children an opportunity to stock up on school supplies, and for their families to stock up on knowledge about the services available at various Lehigh Valley government offices and community organizations.

Previous expos took place at Bucky Boyle Park.

“This is really a test to see how an indoor event happens in the summer,” Browne said. “But, in terms of the turnout by our providers and our families, we are very pleased.”

Wells Fargo provided free backpacks to children who visited 10 of the expo exhibitors to get their “Passport to Education” papers stamped.

Lehigh Valley Cops ’n’ Kids handed out free books to attendees.

Cops ‘n’ Kids President Beverly Bradley explained that books can serve to connect inner-city children to the police, as well as to the rest of the community, which can provide them with a positive environment.

“As of June 1, we gave out our 1 millionth free book,” Bradley proudly exclaimed.

Air Products distributed school supplies while other exhibitors gave away other goodies. Valley Youth House gave away stuffed animals at its Project Child booth.

Additional event sponsors and exhibitors included the PPL Center, Capital BlueCross CHIP Program, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown Health Bureau, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Coca-Cola, Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley, Community Music School, Autism Speaks, DeMolay, and many others.