GREENFIELD – The parent-teacher organizations of five Greenfield schools together have raised $7,575 to help teachers replenish supplies or for whatever each school needs.
The PTOs teamed up in February and brainstormed how they could raise money for their respective school. Discovery School and Middle School PTO member Ruth McDonald said they decided to sell tickets for a “fundraiser calendar.”
There has been a drawing every day throughout March and that will continue through the end of the month.
“There have been 18 winners so far,” McDonald said on Wednesday. “We had a really great response.”
McDonald said each school will receive $1,515 for supplies for classrooms, outdoor learning or for whatever each individual school wants to spend its money.
“We sold 1,447 tickets,” she said. “People were so excited about being able to support the schools. PTOs will work with principals and teachers to find out about the various needs.”
This was the first time in recent history that the PTOs at Greenfield Middle School, Federal Street School, the Discovery School at Four Corners, Newton School and the Academy of Early Learning joined together for a community-wide fundraiser, according to McDonald.
Students and families from each of the schools sold the tickets/calendars to friends and family members throughout February. The tickets were $5 each, and every ticket purchased gave the purchaser 31 chances at winning a prize package — one for every day in March.
“With COVID, we had to explore different ways we could raise funds,” McDonald explained. “We brainstormed and came up with the idea to collaborate with local restaurants while building stronger relationships between the schools.”
She said more than 30 local businesses and community members donated gift cards worth more than $1,900.
“This was a great way for all of us to come together and support each other,” McDonald said. “It has been a real labor of love. During the pandemic it has been so challenging in so many ways for all of us, but this came together nicely.”
McDonald said supplies could include anything from whiteboard markers and regular markers to art supplies. She said supplies will go to the teachers to be distributed to students.
“We encouraged all families to participate,” she said. “Every day there was a prize package with two or three gift cards. The smallest package was worth $50. Names are pulled randomly.”
McDonald said the fundraiser cost the PTOs very little, because everything was donated.
“We didn’t set a fundraising goal,” she noted. “We just hoped it would be very successful. It was.”
McDonald said she and others hope for the fundraiser to become an annual event.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.