"It takes a village to raise a child...."
by Diane McClain
September 25, 2008
It seems to be the conversation everywhere you turn, how the current economy is affecting everyone. We cannot turn on the world news or visit the local coffee shop without discussing the high prices of fuel, groceries and just about everything in between. Fortunately we live in a community that recognizes its needs and steps up to make sure that its children are well taken care of.
When we started the school year this fall, we were overwhelmed with the generosity from so many organizations and individuals in providing school supplies. From notebooks, crayons, glue, backpacks and rulers, we were flooded with school supplies. It was a nice outreach to be able to help families who were struggling with how to purchase all the items their children need to get ready for the new school year.
Donations were given by Pamida, Omaha Baptist Church, Broadlawns Baptist Church, First Christian Church and the Masonic Lodge.
In January 2008 the Buddy Pack Program through the Central Missouri Food Bank started in our elementary. This program provides a backpack of prepackaged snack items for children to take home over the weekend. On Monday morning the backpacks are returned to be refilled. This program is free of charge for children that qualify.
Recently, the Lucerne Christian Church contacted the school to ask if they could assist with this worthwhile program. They will be providing a monthly donation to the Buddy Pack Program that will be used to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables as a healthy snack.
The class of 1962 has provided a monetary donation to be used to purchase school pictures for those families that could not afford to buy photos. This was a result of an alumnus who recalled how difficult it was being a student who did not have school pictures when the rest of the classmates did.
Along with the school supplies and monetary donations, we must acknowledge Mr. Duane Crawford for his continued assistance in ensuring that all 5th grade students will be able to participate in the Old Glory Flag Project. Without Coach Crawford's hard work seeking donations, this project might not be possible. As a result of his newspaper articles and assistance, we have received monetary donations from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cox, Premium Standard Farms, Judge Jeri Bush, Baker-Sparks American Legion, Byron and Collen Kimble, John and Rosemary McIntire and Mr. and Mrs. Duane Crawford.
There truly is "no place like home" in Putnam County, and we are so very grateful for all of the support that our school receives. Thank you so very much for being a great community to live in and raise our children.
