Center School children read to help others

March 17, 2016 |

Reminder Publications photos by Chris Goudreau

LONGMEADOW – Students at Center Elementary School donated nearly 1,900 care bags to local food pantries as part of a school-wide literary initiative during a celebratory event on March 11.

According to the school, this year’s “Read to Care” program emphasized building peace in one’s community. Students read each week and kept journals recording how much time they had read. Once student reading goals were met, sponsors created health care bag donations to local organizations.

A total of 398 Center School students read for 264,026 minutes and the donated care bags focused on dental, male, female, and children’s needs. The donations were given to the food pantries in Longmeadow, East Longmeadow’s Council on Aging, Springfield, and Easthampton.

“We are delighted to be able to give back to our local communities in such a specific and meaningful way,” Center School Principal Donna Hutton said. “These bags Center-School-LM-2.jpgcontain real items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss which will get immediate use by individuals in need. It truly is a win-win – students reading more and giving back to their community.”

State Sen. Eric Lesser thanked students on their fundraising efforts, noting, “I get to brag about Center School back at the State House.”

He added, “Look at all the things our students are doing to help others. Maybe all the people in the state government could do a little bit of the same and can learn from all of you.”

Superintendent of Schools Marie Doyle also congratulated students on their efforts.

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