Hands Across Mathews and Mathews County Social Services joined forces on Aug. 11 to hold their annual Fresh Start Shopping Trip.

Thirty children purchased clothing, school supplies and other necessities for the coming school year. Hands Across Mathews funded 25 children, while the Mathews Family YMCA’s Bright Beginnings Program funded five. Each of the children was accompanied by an adult volunteer shopper during the morning bus trip to Walmart in Gloucester.

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

The program was coordinated by Peggy Leigh.

Contributing to the $4,000 Hands Across Mathews effort were the William F. and Catharine Owens Foundation, Central United Methodist Church Men, Paul Townsend Class of Central United Methodist Church, Westville Christian Church, and Kingston Episcopal Parish.

Contributions to the program are accepted all year. They can be sent to Hands Across Mathe...