NEW LONDON — Superintendent Winfried Feneberg is pleased to share that the Friends of Sutton Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has launched an initiative to provide assistance to local families in need amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
This April, Friends of Sutton PTO members Thom Smith, who is also a fifth grade teacher; Amy Cook, also a school counselor; and Dinah O’Neil, the school nurse, came together to launch the Caring Card Project. Through generous donations from the community, Friends of Sutton have facilitated over $2700 in gift cards to six local businesses through the initiative, helping to support both the local economy and approximately 40 Sutton Central School families in need.
The project raised over $1,500 in the first week alone from the community, and Bubba’s Restaurant provided a $500 donation last week as well. The program officially launched on Monday, April 13.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Friends of Sutton members who stepped up to create this program and grateful for the support community members have shown through these donations,” said Superintendent Feneberg.
Since mid-March, school buildings have been closed and students have been learning from home as a way to help slow the spread of COVID-19. PTO members started the Caring Card Project to help provide Sutton families access to meals and books while students continue with remote learning.
“I’m amazed by the outpouring of support this project has received over the last couple of weeks,” said Principal Christine Downing. “These donations will make a big impact for the lives of many Sutton Central families, and I’m grateful for the efforts of our local businesses and PTO as well as those who have contributed to this project.”
The six businesses participating in the program are:
- Appleseed Restaurant in Bradford
- Morgan Hill Bookstore in New London
- Little Brother’s Burgers in New London
- 74 Main in New London
- Artisan’s in New London
- Bubba’s Restaurant in Newbury
Residents can donate to the Caring Card Project by calling one of the businesses above and asking to donate. Gift cards will then be picked up at the business by a school staff member or PTO member, and delivered to a family in need.
The group will continue to raise and donate money to families throughout the rest of the month of May at least, and efforts may continue depending on the initiative’s continued success in the community.
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