It started with a small request.
Kathy Mahieu — a Westporter who teaches in a Bridgeport elementary school — asked if I could write about the differences between our school district and theirs. I had a better idea: I’d post her 1st-person account. Her words would be far more meaningful than mine.
“A Tale of 2 School Districts” provoked a powerful response. Dozens of commenters offered thoughts. Many wondered what they could do to help.
The answer: Plenty. And here’s where this story really gets good.
Catherine Walsh called Kathy, and provided cartons of paper for the Read School. That simple gesture solved an enormous need.
Simultaneously, Jimeale Hede and Carolyn Russo got involved. Using Facebook, they installed “room moms” in every pre-K through 3rd grade classroom. The women published wish lists on their grassroots Brighter Lives for Kids Foundation website. Classroom supplies poured in.
Kathy Mathieu in her Bridgeport classroom. Very few teachers have whiteboards.
In just one week this month, over $71,000 was raised. Much of that came from a Cushman & Wakefield fundraiser. The money will pay for the purchase of 90 Chromebooks with educational programs, as well as field trips and a soccer program.
“06880” readers — and others in an ever-widening circle — volunteered to address other needs. Teachers are identifying students who need shoes or a backpack, for example, as well as requesting items like rugs, headphones and books for their classrooms.
Help is on the way Cesar Batalla Elementary School too.
Read Elementary School
Watching the generosity unfold brought Catherine to tears. Westport and surrounding communities rallied around the needy school. Importantly, she says, they’ve “committed themselves long-term” to aiding these children and their families.
One of the Westporters who helped with Pamela Long. She heard about a toy drive for the Cesar Batalla and Read Schools. She bought some, but was chagrined to learn that donations were slow.
She asked “06880” for help. Again, I was happy to help. Again too, I asked for the story in her own words.
Pamela was eloquent. “These kids are in desperate situations — the highest poverty brackets, shelters, you name it. 100% of these children are fed breakfast and lunch at school,” she wrote. “Their families have no money for basic necessities — let alone holiday gifts.
“Westport: We can do better. Every child deserves the joy of opening a gift this season. We’ve got 4 more days to come together as a community and show our compassion, by helping those who do not have our good fortune. Open your hearts and your wallets — and get shopping!”
Westporters — and readers far and wide — responded instantly. Taking advantage of an Amazon link — and thanks to a generation donation from locally based/internationally known toymakers Melissa & Doug — they blew past the goal.
Plenty of people also helped with the logistics: wrapping, transporting, and making the toy magic happen.
Some of the holiday gifts that poured in to the Read and Cesar Batalla Elementary Schools.
So — when it’s almost time for boys and girls all over America to enjoy the wonder of Santa Claus — let’s pause to thank the men and women (and kids) of our “06880” community (real and virtual) who helped bring smiles to kids a few miles away.
And let’s vow to keep helping the boys and girls of Bridgeport every day in the coming year.
When “06880” broke this story on Monday, we suggested a Saugatuck-themed name. Well, at least the famed restaurateur/chef tips his toque to the area’s Italian heritage with the 2nd half of the new name.