By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The week of April 30 through May 4 was “School Spirit Week” at Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union St., in Marlborough. In light of the recent fire that ravaged the Lake Williams Condominiums on West Main Street and displaced five Whitcomb families, the theme for spirit week was “We Care.”
In addition to donations of clothing, dry goods (canned food, snacks), entertainment (cards, sports equipment), gift cards, household items (sheets, towels), suitcases and duffle bags, and toiletries, students had other opportunities to participate – in monetary contributions throughout the week. On Tuesday, for example, a $2 donation bought an entry to win one of 50 free passes to Roller Kingdom in Hudson, on Wednesday, students were encouraged to donate coins during lunch and on Thursday, a $1 donation bought the ability to wear a hat during the school day (something which is usually not permitted).
The student body donated a total of $1,750, which will be given directly to the affected families.
“I saw students at lunch putting dollar bills and, even, five dollar bills in the “coin” collection jar. The generosity has been incredible,” said Laura Henderson, sixth-grade guidance counselor. “We even had a student donate his Nintendo Wii home video game console for a boy who he knew had lost his in the fire.”
Donations were collected in the assistant principal's office for each grade. The grade that collected the most items and succeeded in “stuffing” their assistant principal's office was promised recognition in the local paper. This honor goes to the sixth-graders, who donated so many items that they had to move them (the items) to the guidance office so that the assistant principal, Bethany Pritchard, could navigate her office.
“The students, their families, and the community have shown overwhelming compassion, kindness and generosity. I am overwhelmed by the turnout and so thankful for all who gave,” Pritchard said.
All items and monies will be going directly to the five Whitcomb families who were displaced by the fire.
(Photos/Sue Wambolt)