Project Fresh Start, supported by Ankeny Schools Community Engagement, is an Ankeny-based volunteer program that has provided free school supplies, backpacks, winter outerwear, and prom dresses to students for over a decade. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to support Project Fresh Start, you may do so via credit card at this link. Please select Project Fresh Start Donations/Contributions in the drop down item menu.

Days of Giving (School Supplies and Backpacks)

This program provides students of Ankeny, Ankeny Christian Academy, St. Luke’s the Evangelist, and homeschool students (grades PreK-12) with free school supplies and backpacks.

The first year the giveaway was held, the group gave backpacks and supplies to 191 students.  In 2021, Project Fresh Start distributed over 700 backpacks and supplies. Approximately $20,000 is needed in donations for student supplies each year. If you’re interested in donating supplies, please see this list of school supplies to make sure that your donation can be used. Due to space constraints, we are not able to accept donations that are not on the current Ankeny Schools school supply lists.

FEWD (Faith and Education Winter Donations)

In Fall, Ankeny families are faced with a significant challenge. Iowa winter has us opening our closet for winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. However, many Ankeny families lack the funds to purchase these items for their children. Project Fresh Start has stepped forward to help receive and coordinate donations of winter clothing. This project is a joint venture between community church members and our educational community. Information about the giveaway will be in the vBackpack and sent home with students.

In 2020, the giveaway provided coats, hats, mittens, and other winter outerwear to just under 200 Ankeny students. All sixteen schools held a winter clothing drive to collect for this event.  This project was truly a community undertaking as churches, businesses, civic groups, and individuals provided their support.  It was a labor of love by the project’s volunteers.

Prom Dress Giveaway

*This program is on hold at this time.  

 

Questions about Project Fresh Start may be directed to the Community Engagement department at heidi.palkovic@ankenyschools.org.

*Important: Due to the relocating of various departments, anyone wishing to make a monetary contribution to Project Fresh Start must make sure it states “Donation” in the Memo line on the check and send to the below address:

Project Fresh Start
Attn: Community Engagement
1102 N. Ankeny Blvd, Door 15S
Ankeny, IA 50023