To the Editor:

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”  – Oscar Wilde

As the Volunteer Engagement Associate at United Way of Portage County and coordinator of Project Fresh Start, I just want to thank this community for its outstanding support of Project Fresh Start, United Way’s annual school supply collection and distribution event for Portage County families in need of assistance.

Project Fresh Start helps alleviate the financial burden that many parents and families face around this time of year with back-to-school shopping.

Thank you as well to all the local businesses who participated by serving as collection sites and donating food and supplies, including Sentry Insurance who donated enough calculators to meet our distribution need.

A special thank you to P.J. Jacobs Principal Dan Dobratz and his staff, Mike DeMarco, Dan Seavers and Dean Golla, for all of their generosity and help in making the Project Fresh Start transition to a new school go smoothly. You all were so accommodating, and your help was truly appreciated. We cannot wait to be there again next year.

Last, but not least, thank you to the numerous volunteers who helped with Project Fresh Start by counting, sorting, packing and distributing supplies to over 1,000 children.

The list could go on and on of people to thank for their outstanding commitments to this project; however, the kids say it best. Listed below are some actual excerpts from some thank you cards we received:

“Dear United Way and Project Fresh Start, thank you for the back to school supplies. I love how colorful the notebooks and folders are. I also love how the school supplies are set up. So once again, thank you.” – Jeffrey

“Thank you so much for your generous donations. I don’t know what my family and I would do without it. Much appreciation.” – Skyler

“Thank you! Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to get the school supplies our child needs each year.” – A Grateful Family.

“This will help me through the year, thank you.” – Brennan

Thank you to all who extended generosity to make the initiative of Project Fresh Start 2017 a huge success. It would not have been possible without your help.

Cecily Mileski

Volunteer Engagement Associate

United Way of Portage County