- For over 10 years, Project Connect has been helping Clinton County prepare for return to school.
- The event helps families get school supplies, health screenings, shoes, haircuts and more.
- The video shows the direct impact on families and neighbors in the area.
(The following is a transcript of the entire broadcast)
Preparing for back-to-school can be costly. I’m your neighborhood reporter Russell Shellberg here in St. John’s, where neighbors are getting more than just school supplies to get them back on track.
“I’ve been here every year for the last eight years,” said resident Amber Stanton.
For Amber Stanton, a St. John’s resident and mother of six, Project Connect is more than just “another event.” It’s a way to bring some comfort into her life.
“I can go to bed without having to worry about the basic things,” Stanton said.
For more than ten years, Project Connect has hosted its back-to-school events, ensuring that over 600 students get everything they need to start the new year off right – without paying a cent.
“They get $100 to $200 worth of items, including school supplies, food, underwear, socks, all that stuff,” said Marie Barks, CAN Council coordinator.
Barks recognizes that this influence is crucial for many families.
“Many families cannot afford to buy additional school supplies before school starts, especially when the children need shoes and other things for the start of school. Check-ups and things like that help these families,” Barks said.
Stanton says this is a gift for which she cannot thank the volunteers enough.
“It’s just one of the things I love about our community. We come together every year to do this and it’s great,” Stanton said.
Barks points out that the number of families they help increases every year, making this a truly community project.
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