Willard Model ElementarySchool
The students at Willard Model Elementary School held a fund raiser the week of February 15 – 19 to benefit the children at Maison Fortuné Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti. A Pre-K teacher and her assistant presented the fund raising idea.
The challenge was to see, “Who has the biggest heart?” To answer that question, 3 donation jars were placed in the school office. One jar was for the girls, one was for the boys and the third was for the staff. According to Mr. Cumberbatch-Smith, school Vice-Principal, the students were told where the money was going and how it would help. He said the competition was spirited. The totals were posted daily and sparked a lot of discussion.
At the end of the week, it was determined that the real winners were the children at the orphanage. A grand total of $738.00 was raised. Mr. Cumberbatch-Smith said the school has a history of raising funds for worthy causes. They did a similar fundraiser two years ago to benefit Relay for Life. The students have also done a food drive for the Union Mission. In addition, they have made hats and gloves for the homeless. The first grade team of students and teachers donated over 100 toiletry items as a community service project for their 100th day celebration.
At a school assembly on Thursday, February 25th, Mrs. Maritsa Alger, the school Principal, proudly presented a check for $538.00 to Don Roberts of WAVY-TV, Channel 10 in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Roberts forwarded the check on to the Foundation. Mr. Roberts commented that this was a great deal of money to be raised by such a young group. An additional $200 was donated to the American Red Cross also to help with their efforts in Haiti.
Willard Model Elementary School is located at 1511 Willow Wood Dr. in Norfolk VA 23509. Students in grades Pre-K to 5th grade attend the school. The school phone number is 757-628-2721.