Staff Writer
Last fall, members of “The CAUSE” (Central Aroostook United for Student Emergencies) donated $2,660 to the Eastern Regional School Unit 39 which includes Caribou, Limestone and Stockholm students.
Accepting $2,660 in funds raised during “The CAUSE” which were donated to RSU 39, to be used to provide emergency needs of students, are from left: Freeman Corey, guidance counselor for the elementary RSU 39 levels; Tracey Corbin, guidance counselor at the Limestone Community School; Lisa Miles, general manager of CITADEL Radio; and Ginny Joles, “CAUSE” member.
Virginia Joles, representing The CAUSE, stated in a letter to Frank McElwain, RSU 39 superintendent, “What started as a conversation about how to incorporate a charity event into a visit with syndicated radio show hosts Bob and Sheri (and Lamar), culminated into an idea that will make true and lasting differences in children’s lives through the Central Aroostook School systems.”
“Students who may be in need of appropriate clothing, hygiene products, medical needs, school supplies, just to name a few, will now be able to reach out to a trusted teacher/nurse or social worker in their school and have an opportunity to be well-equipped for learning and growing academically,” added Joles.
Over the course of several weeks during the summer of 2009, concluding with a charity auction on Sept. 12 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center, the total amount of proceeds raised was more than $20,000. Schools in Easton, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill, Ashland, Washburn, Limestone, Caribou and Presque Isle have been allocated proceeds based on the amount of money raised from each community, plus a base percentage.
Lois Brewer, curriculum coordinator for RSU 39 stated that through discussion with school administrators and staff the donation will be set aside to be used to address student needs as recommended by individual building staff members.
