Tallahassee Community Rallies for Education with Generous Donation
TALLAHASSEE, FL
On a recent Saturday morning, educators at Pineview Elementary School came together to celebrate a significant moment for their school community. The gathering marked the presentation of a substantial donation of $27,900 from the local philanthropic group 100+ Women Who Care Tallahassee. This donation aims to enhance educational resources for students at this Title One school.
Who Was Involved
Prominent figures at the event included Gia Gallon, Literacy Coach; Carlisa Ross, Assistant Principal; Dionna Days, Media Specialist; and Kathleen Malloy, Coordinator of Instructional Materials and Media Services for Leon County Schools. Their presence underscored the commitment that local educators have to improving students’ access to reading materials.
What Was Presented
During the gathering, attendees were shown the results of their hard work in transforming the school’s Media Center. The atmosphere was bright and welcoming, complete with an innovative book vending machine. This unique addition allows students to “purchase” books using “gold” tokens they earn through good behavior and reading achievements. The vending machine is a recent initiative funded by a grant and has seen noticeable success in motivating students to engage in reading programs.
Why It Matters
The generous donation from 100+ Women Who Care is a crucial step in addressing a pressing need for reading materials in Title One schools. Currently, these schools struggle with budget limitations that restrict the availability of books. The funds not only support the ongoing presence of the vending machine but also aim to expand its reach to more Title One schools in the area.
Voting for this donation occurred through a structured process where members of the organization select deserving nonprofits quarterly. Since its inception in 2020, 100+ Women Who Care Tallahassee has raised over $440,100 to aid local nonprofits. Their model involves choosing three nominees each quarter, inviting them to present their causes, and allowing members to vote on who receives funding. This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of community involvement in education and local support.
The Bigger Picture
With ongoing budget cuts affecting schools, Leon County School Board member Alva Smith has initiated a campaign to facilitate awareness and to encourage contributions towards classroom libraries, a vital resource for students. The efforts are crucial as the dozen Title One Elementary Schools in the district currently fall short of the book averages compared to the rest of the district. The recent contribution stands as a hopeful beginning to bridging that gap.
Get Involved
For women in the community who are interested in joining the efforts made by 100+ Women Who Care Tallahassee, reach out to founder Virginia Glass via email at 100wwctlh@gmail.com. There is also an opportunity to learn more about what the Foundation for Leon County Schools has to offer by visiting their website.
The day’s event illustrated a strong commitment to enriching the educational experience for children in Tallahassee. Through collective action and community support, it is clear that the effort made today will continue to foster positive changes in the learning environment.
