Qualters Middle School held a schoolwide food drive this holiday season to benefit Our Daily Bread. The drive was organized by social studies teacher Kristian Edgar. (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools) 
Eighth grade students Patrick Connolly and Jaden Vedder-Dulig sort food to benefit Our Daily Bread. (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools) 
Qualters Middle School student Brian Jones and teacher QMS Foreign Language Teacher Beth Donovan sort food as part of the drive. (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools) 
The Mansfield Public Schools supported the local Rotary Club Toys for Tots drive from Nov. 16 through Dec. 14. Collection bins were located at MHS, QMS, Jordan/Jackson and Robinson. (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools) 
As part of the drive, Jordan/Jackson students created posters for the donation bins located around town, and art teachers Fatima Churchill and Tara Kanevski worked with the Rotary Club to complete the posters. (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools)
MANSFIELD — Superintendent Teresa Murphy is pleased to announce that the Mansfield Public Schools has taken part in several community projects to spread holiday cheer and help those less fortunate during the holidays this year.
The following is a list of the ways Mansfield students and staff gave back to the community this holiday season:
Roland Green Preschool
The Roland Green Preschool organized a gift card drive to benefit West Side Benevolent Circle, organized by Paraprofessional Colette Skelly. The Roland Green parent group also collected underwear and socks to donate to those in need.
Robinson Elementary School
A Mansfield Elementary School Association (MESA) clothing drive was held from Nov. 15 through Dec. 3. The drive collected hats, gloves, mittens, socks, underwear and more for those in need.
Additionally, a holiday giving tree was organized by kindergarten teacher Donna DiCarlo. Robinson staff could choose a mitten from the giving tree and purchase the items listed for a child in the community. Items included books, clothing, toys and more.
Jordan/Jackson Elementary
A MESA food drive collected approximately 2,600 pounds of food, and a MESA clothing drive was held from Nov. 15 through Dec. 3 collecting hats, gloves, mittens, socks, underwear and more.
A donation toy drive was also held, benefitting the West Side Benevolent Circle, and art teacher Tara Kanevski coordinated a gift card drive to also support West Side Benevolent Circle.
Qualters Middle School
A schoolwide holiday food drive was held to benefit Our Daily Bread. The drive was organized by social studies teacher Kristian Edgar, and was in memory of a former QMS student who passed away.
In addition to holiday efforts, approximately 400 pounds of candy was collected after Halloween to send troops serving overseas. The candy drive was organized by the Tri-M Music Society.
Mansfield High School
A gift card drive was held to benefit the West Side Benevolent Circle. The pick-a-snowflake drive allowed staff to purchase a gift card for a teenager in the community. Paraprofessional Ellen Dumont worked hard to organize this event, and in total 54 gift cards were purchased and donated.
The school also held a sock drive where staff donated socks to a local shelter, organized by chemistry teacher Lisa Buron.
Districtwide
The district supported the local Rotary Club Toys for Tots drive from Nov. 16 through Dec. 14. Collection bins were located at MHS, QMS, Jordan/Jackson and Robinson.
Half of the donations will go to West Side Benevolent Circle and the other half to local Marines for families in Bristol County. As part of the drive, Jordan/Jackson students created posters for the donation bins located around town, and art teachers Fatima Churchill and Tara Kanevski worked with the Rotary Club to complete the posters.
“This year more than ever it is important to take the time to think of others and support those in need in our community,” Superintendent Murphy said. “I want to commend all of our staff, students and families for everything they have done and will continue to do to make the holidays a special time for all. On behalf of the entire Mansfield school community, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to the New Year.”
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