Project Fresh Start

Visit VOLUNTEERSROCK.ORG for more information about Project Fresh Start 2011 and to download registrations forms.

PROJECT FRESH START is a program of the United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center.

PURPOSE: Provide school supplies to students in Portage County who qualify for the free or reduced price meal program.

The start of a new school year means buying school supplies. For lower-income families, it can be a time when money is tight. Project Fresh Start depends on the support of our Portage County community to help provide the school supplies these students need. This year, there are over 2,900 students eligible to participate in this program.

Beginning in July, individuals, businesses, churches and other groups will collect school supplies to drop off at designated sites throughout the community. All of these supplies will be collected between August 15-19 and taken to Ben Franklin Junior High in Stevens Point to be sorted and distributed to students on August 20th. A second event for Almond/Bancroft Schools will be held there on August 30th. Last year, more than 1,000 students received school supplies through the program. The remaining school supplies were distributed to Portage County schools and affiliate programs serving approximately 300 additional students.

WHO RECEIVES DONATED ITEMS: Project Fresh Start works with Portage County organizations and schools to identify eligible K-12 students who live or go to school in Portage County and are in need of school supplies. The qualifications to receive supplies are the same as for the federal free & reduced lunch program. 2011 marks the third year that supplies will be offered to ALL grades, from K-12. In past years, the program was limited to grades K-9. In 2010, approximately $69,000 worth of school supplies was distributed.

HOLD A DRIVE OR BE A DROP SITE: Organizations, groups or businesses may participate by holding their own internal collection and be a Drive Partner. They can also choose to be a Drop Site Partner. These are generally high traffic locations where community members can drop off school supplies. For information about how to hold a drive, be a drop site or to see what groups are already participating, go to www.volunteersrock.org.

HOW PARTICIPANTS REGISTER:

Eligible participants should complete a registration form by August 5
Forms are available at school offices, the United Way office, and online at www.volunteersrock.org
Almond-Bancroft Students can register on site at the Almond-Bancroft School on August 30

PROJECT FRESH START SUPPLIES: All students in grades K-12 receive a backpack - if needed. Additionally, students receive pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, glue, a pencil bag or box, highlighter, ruler, scissors, notebooks, folders, binders, loose-leaf paper, and other items according to individual grade requirements. For a complete list of supplies being collected, go to: www.volunteersrock.org. Supplies that we often fall short in collecting include: backpacks for older grades, red pens, black dry erase markers, sharpies, protractors, pencil cases, index cards and compasses.

VOLUNTEER: We need LOTS of help to assist with drop and drive sites and to sort and distribute supplies during the week of August 15. Starting June 1st, individuals may view volunteer opportunities by going to www.volunteersrock.org.

CASH DONATIONS: Cash or check donations are being accepted at United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center. Donations to support Project Fresh Start can be sent to: Project Fresh Start, 1100 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 301, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center at (715) 341-6740 or volunteer@unitedwaypoco.org