Twenty-five Mathews County students returned to school this year wearing new outfits, courtesy of the Hands Across Mathews Fresh Start program.
The shopping was made possible with a grant from The Mathews Community Foundation, a donation from Central United Methodist Men, and other anonymous donors, a release said. The Hands Across Mathews Board voted this year to increase the usual amount by 12 percent. Some of the recipients increased their purchasing power by taking advantage of the “tax free weekend.”
Lauren Oden of Mathews Social Services collaborated with Fresh Start coordinator Shirley Ryan to carry out the program, in which the children and their parents were able to shop for clothes and school supplies in stores or online.
The release said receipts and gift cards were returned and audited, and that monetary donations are welcomed year-round for Hands Across Mathews Fresh Start.
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