2nd Annual Fresh Start event helps thousands

SALISBURY, Md. – Thousands of students from across Wicomico County got a special gift on Sunday at the 2nd Annual Fresh Start event.

The Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism teamed up with local nonprofits to give away 4,000 school backpacks with supplies that will help students start the school year off right.

“There are a lot of families and a lot of students who just don’t have the means to get supplies,” said the Director of Communication for Wicomico County Schools, Paul Butler.

According to Wicomico County Public Schools, there are at least 3,000 students in the county who simply do not have the means to get things like folders, pencils and even haircuts.

So, they hope this event will help while making sure students have a successful school year.

“For us, the main thing is that when they walk into schools, that first day of school, that they’re ready,” said Butler.

“When kids come back to school prepared, they’re focused in the classroom more than they would be if they don’t have a backpack or the supplies they need,” said James Simmons, recreation superintendent for Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

Educators say it is these kinds of events that will forever impact the lives of students.

The annual event took place at the Wicomico County Civic Center. Organizers say kids from Kindergarten and up got the chance to participate.