Project Fresh Start expands to 4K, seeks donations

Metro Wire Staff

Supply collection for Project Fresh Start is now underway.

The United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center program provides school supplies to qualifying students, any 4K-12 student enrolled in a Portage Co. school who qualifies for the federal free and reduced priced meal program.

More than 3,000 students across the county will be eligible to receive supplies through Project Fresh Start. According to a news release from the United Way, Project Fresh Start served more than 1,000 students last year.

This is the first year the program has been expanded to include 4K students.

Registration is open through Friday, July 26, for the distribution event taking place Saturday, Aug. 17, at P.J. Jacobs Junior High School in Stevens Point.

“Our need is greater than ever this year, and the community has already been showing its support by coming together to collect supplies,” said Cecily Mileski, a volunteer engagement associate with the United Way, who added the organization each year partners with hundreds of volunteers and businesses to collect and distribute the supplies.

Individuals can sign up to receive Project Fresh Start school supplies, or businesses can become a drop off location, by going to www.volunteersrock.org/pfs.

More information is available by contacting the United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center at (715) 341-6740 or by email at [email protected].