Project Fresh Start, supported by Ankeny Community School District’s Community Engagement department, is an Ankeny-based volunteer program that has provided free school supplies, backpacks, and winter outerwear to students who attend Ankeny schools.  Please read on to learn about the events which are the main focus of this organization.

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. 

To volunteer for one of these events, please sign up for a Better Impact account here and follow the necessary steps to be approved.  Dates and details will be on this site closer to each event under “Affiliated Group Opportunities” on the left side of the screen. 

 

 

FEWD (Faith and Education Winter Donations)

Project Fresh Start, along with members of faith organizations, the Ankeny Community School District, local businesses and members of the community come together to provide a winter outerwear event for Ankeny families.

This event offers warm winter wear like coats, hats, mittens, and the like, to students and families of Ankeny, including Ankeny Christian Academy, St. Luke’s the Evangelist, and Ankeny homeschool students.  Information regarding donation drop off and collection dates will be in the vBackpack and sent home with students closer to the event held in the fall.

 

 

School Supplies and Backpack Event

This event 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 event was held, the group gave backpacks and supplies to 191 students.  In 2023, Project Fresh Start distributed almost 700 backpacks and supplies. Due to space constraints, we are not able to accept donations that are not on the current Ankeny Schools school supply lists.

Monetary donations and time donations for both events are always needed and appreciated. Please contact Community Engagement office before purchasing or donating items for any Project Fresh Start event to coordinate: 515 289 3960.

*Important: Due to the relocating of various departments, anyone wishing to make a monetary contribution to Project Fresh Start using a check 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
306 SW School Street