(Tuesday, August 12, 2008) – The start of the school year brings a fresh start for students. However, some students may not have the school supplies they need. To help address that need, an organization of Little Rock firefighters is sponsoring its annual “Project Fresh Start” which distributes school supplies.

HOTTAR, Little Rock’s Chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF), will host “Project Fresh Start” on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The event will be held at the Dunbar Community Center at 1001 West 16th Street from 9:00am until 2:00pm. Students who are not able to purchase their school supplies are encouraged to attend and get some new supplies.

According to Firefighter Jarrod Gray, “In the past, we have given away in excess of $5,000 in school supplies to students who need them. This year, that total is over $6,000. HOTTAR members realize that prices of school supplies have risen, just as prices of everything else have risen.

“We view this as an extension of our commitment to serving others in the community. This is important to us as members of HOTTAR and as well as through the Little Rock Fire Department,” concluded Gray.

HOTTAR, which stands for Helping Others To Teach All Responsibility, was founded in 1992.

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