Worzalla Publishing. (Metro Wire photo)

Worzalla donates to United Way’s Project Fresh Start

August 17, 2020

Metro Wire Staff

Employees at Stevens Point-based Worzalla collected hundreds of school supplies as part of Project Fresh Start, a United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center program.

The United Way program provides free school supplies for students in grades 4-12 who qualify for free and reduced lunch through their school district. This is the second year in a row that Worzalla has supported Project Fresh Start.

“We understand that the start of the school this year may be challenging for many families as we all continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, which is why we wanted to participate once again in Project Fresh Start,” said Brianne Petruzalek, Vice President of Human Resources at Worzalla. “We thank all of our associates who collected and donated supplies to help local students start the school year on a positive note.”

Worzalla associates were incentivized to contribute to the school supplies drive through an internal contest. For each item donated, the employee received entry into a raffle to win a full day of vacation or one of five $50 gift cards. In addition to the hundreds of school supplies collected and donated by Worzalla associates, Worzalla also purchased and donated 75 backpacks to Project Fresh Start. Other donated items included pencils, notebooks, folders, markers, and more.

“Literacy is a value we embrace at Worzalla, and we are happy for any opportunity to help the community when it comes to learning,” said Jim Fetherston, President, and CEO at Worzalla. “We appreciate the United Way of Portage County for organizing Project Fresh Start, especially during a year when this program is greatly needed.”

Worzalla has a history of supporting literacy and learning in the community, such as supporting area schools, donating books, and sponsoring related events. Worzalla prints many popular children’s books and is best known for being the domestic manufacturer of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. More information is available at Worzalla.com.