When times are tough, people help

March 1, 2010 • Kenny Zawlacki  
Filed under News

In tough times, people turn to each other for help and the school district is no exception. Fortunately, the community of teachers, parents, students and others are willing to help out.

This became evident Monday night when many parents offered to help pay for uniforms, field trips and volunteer their time to do whatever it takes to provide oppportunity for students in USD 336.

Many students are taking this message to heart as well. Carol Braum, media center specialist, said many students have donated books to the school library. She said that the library has always accepted donations, but this year, more have been coming in. So far 20-25 books have been donated to the library by students. In the past, books were mostly donated by faculty. Students say that it makes sense to donate.

“I read a book and I couldn’t read it twice,” Lea Bowers, freshman, said, “so I gave it to the library.”

One unexpected donation to USD 336 recently occurred after Karen Ford, English teacher, got in touch with Lew Mills, a former junior high math teacher of hers who had made an impact on her. He frequently had donated books and funds for special projects in the Topeka school system, and, after visiting Ford at the high school last year, extended her an offer to fund a special project she might want to do with her students next year.

“Mr. Mills and I had a great visit,” Ford said. “I was so surprised to open an envelope from him a few days later and find a check for $500 to help fund expenses for a class project. In these tough economic times, that can make a real difference and the money is welcome. Above all, though, it is the thoughtfulness behind a gift like that which matters most.”

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