Kindergarten students at West Side made some “sweet” donations Thursday morning for various community needs.
During a special field trip of sorts, the children were able to distribute $200 they raised to four different projects at $50 apiece — the Bonnie Kate Theater renovations, the Elizabethton/Carter County Imagination Library, the Downtown Lighting Fund and the Veterans’ Walk of Honor.
“West Side kindergarten classes made community connections today by donating to several organizations from the money they raised at school,” West Side Principal John Wright explained.
The fundraising was broken down by classes, according to the principal. Ms. Vera Peters’ class operated a donut shop, Ms. Robin LaPorte’s class opened a cupcake shop and Ms. Jancey Bennett’s class started a cookie shop. Each of the teachers incorporated math, reading and writing into the projects and stressed the importance of children taking pride in the community.
Each of the shops sold treats inside the school to raise money.
Before making their tour downtown to distribute the $50 donations, Carmella Price of Security Federal welcomed the students.
All of the students joined together at the Bonnie Kate while Bennett’s class visited the library for the Imagination Library donation, Peters’ class met with city officials at the Veterans’ Walk while LaPorte’s class visited Joe Alexander to provide funds for the Downtown Lighting Fund.
Students were able to take in lunch near the Covered Bridge, graciously hosted by Kim Perkins, of Sweetsie Treats downtown, before heading back to school.
West Side students, much like the rest of the schools locally no a thing or two about giving back and the principal had nothing but praise for everyone involved.
“I’m very proud that they used their money for the good of our community,” he said.