For the City Times

Supply collection for Project Fresh Start, a United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center program that provides school supplies to qualifying students, is now underway, taking collections at numerous organizations throughout Portage County.

Any K-12 student enrolled in a Portage Co. school, and who qualifies for the federal free/reduced meal program is eligible to receive supplies. More than 3,000 students in Portage Co. will be eligible to receive supplies through Project Fresh Start.

Last year Project Fresh Start served more than 1,000 students from across the county.

Registration is open through Friday, July 28, for the distribution event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12, at P.J. Jacobs Jr. High School.

“Our need is greater than ever this year and we need the community’s help to collect supplies,” said Cecily Mileski, a volunteer engagement association with United Way of Portage County.

Hundreds of United Way volunteers and businesses team up each year to collect and distribute needed supplies to children, Mileski said, but added that more volunteers are still needed to help with this year’s event.

“Project Fresh Start could not be successful without the help of more than 200 volunteers,” she said.

Individuals and groups can sign up to volunteer at Project Fresh Start by going to www.volunteersrock.org/pfs.

Contact the United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center at (715) 341-6740 or [email protected] for more information.