Program Collecting School Supplies for Students in Need

ANKENY, Iowa (July 9, 2015) - Ankeny Community Education and Project Fresh Start are gearing up to continue their decade-long tradition of providing school supplies and backpacks to students in need in the Ankeny community. They are currently collecting cash donations and school supplies for their Days of Giving and need your help.

• Donations to Project Fresh Start are being accepted in order to help students for the 2015-2016 school year. You may view the Ankeny Community School supplies list (by grade) here. Donations are accepted at the Ankeny Community Education Office, 306 SW School Street. (please note district offices are closed on July 10)

In 2014, nearly 600 backpacks were distributed, that’s up more than 100 from 2013. Also, an additional 200 students were assisted during the school year as the need occurred. Project Fresh Start is expecting to help even more students this year.

“As our district continues to grow, we expect the need to continue to grow,” said Karen Norton, Ankeny Community Education. “Even a pair of scissors or a pack of crayons can make a noticeable difference to a child and their ability to focus on learning in the classroom.”

Any Ankeny Schools or Ankeny Christian Academy students are welcome to take part in the program to prepare for the 2015-2016 school year.

• Project Fresh Start plans to distribute supplies to Ankeny students in need at the Neveln Center, 406 SW School Street:
  • July 30 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • August 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• During these Days of Giving, The Ankeny Klothing Exchange (TAKE) will also be open at the Neveln Center. Limited dental and vision services will be offered to children on July 30.

Days of Giving is a collaboration between the Ankeny Community School District, Ankeny Service Center, Wal-Mart, and area churches, local businesses and generous individual/group donations.

For more information, call the Ankeny Community Education office at 289-3960 or project coordinator Dave Kissinger at 515-491-2049 or dkiss806@juno.com