Hands Across Mathews and Mathews County Social Services joined forces on Aug. 13 to hold their annual Fresh Start Back to School Shopping Trip.

A total of 30 children were able to get clothing and other necessities for the coming academic year—25 were funded by Hands Across Mathews and five others were funded by the Mathews Family YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program. Each child was accompanied by an adult volunteer shopper to help them make their choices.

The $4,000 in Hands Across Mathews funding was made available by the William F. and Catharine Owens Foundation, the Central United Methodist Men, Kingston Episcopal Parish and other donations.

Fresh Start coordinator Peggy Leigh said the purpose of this project is to help these children start out in a positive way for the new school year.

The shopping trip ended with a picnic lunch provided by the Mathews Rotary Club for the children, their parents and the adult shoppers.

Contributions to the program are...