Hands Across Mathews, Mathews County Social Services, and the Mathews Family YMCA joined forces on Aug. 12 for the annual Fresh Start Back to School shopping trip.

A total of 32 children were funded—25 by Hands Across Mathews and seven by Mathews Family YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program. The students were able to purchase clothing and other necessities for the coming school year. Each child was accompanied by an adult shopper on the morning bus trip to Gloucester Walmart.

The $4,000 in Hands Across Mathews funding was donated by the William F. and Catharine K. Owens Foundation, Kingston Parish Outreach, Central United Methodist Men, Thomas Hunter Middle School SCA, along with individual contributions. Fresh Start coordinator Peggy Leigh said the purpose of the project is to help children start out on a positive note 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 shoppe...