Dear editor,

The United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center would like to thank this community for coming together and donating school supplies and money for Project Fresh Start.

Project Fresh Start is a program through United Way’s Volunteer Center that provides free school supplies to students 4K-12 in Portage County who qualify for free and reduced lunch through their school district. Collection of school supplies was made possible this year thanks to more than 70 collection sites and numerous community members.

A special thank you to P.J. Jacobs Principal Dan Dobratz and P.J. Jacobs staff members Mike DeMarco and Dave Rucinski, for kindly allowing us to set up this event at their school. Your support of this program is so appreciated.

We continue to be amazed by the generosity in this community and we are extremely grateful for each volunteer, donor, business, agency and organization involved in this event. Because of you, nearly 1,000 students in Portage County have a fresh start to the new school year.

Listed below are actual excerpts from thank you cards by families who received supplies:

“Thank you for the donation of school supplies for my daughter. As a single mom student teaching next semester, money is tight and having this donation of school supplies for her has helped out so much. We greatly appreciate it!” – A grateful mom

“Thank you for the school supplies. I really appreciate that you took up your time and provided the tools I need to succeed in school.” – A 6th grader

“Thanks to everyone for all their help, my kids will be starting the school year off GREAT! We are blessed to know that kind hearts and caring people have given my kids help with their education!” – A happy mom of four

Thank you all, and we could not do this without you!

Cecily Mileski
United Way of Portage County Volunteer Engagement Associate