Shrewsbury – Upon learning that Colleen Kalagher's third-grade class at the Walter J. Paton Elementary School in Shrewsbury raised funds to help ensure that less fortunate families in the area could enjoy the holiday season, Clinton Savings Bank decided to enhance the students” contribution. On Dec. 18, Clinton Savings Bank presented a check to the students, bringing their total donation to $493.
“Heading into 2014, the bank is planning to highlight the great work done by our area students,” said Ellen McGovern, the bank's senior vice president and director of marketing. “The fact that these third graders and their families would sacrifice to help those less fortunate is something that the bank wants to encourage and be a part of.”
This year was the second time Kalagher has run the fundraiser, and families are asked to participate only if they are able to do so. Parents were asked to reward their third graders with $1 a day for any chores they completed. That money was put toward the fundraiser to buy holiday toys for the Paton families in need. As a group, the classroom presented the toys to School Nurse Lisa Smith, who delivers the gifts to the needy families anonymously.
“My goal is not to go nuts raising money,” Kalagher said. “The point is to get the students to think about those who may be less fortunate, since building that awareness can be a life lesson. I also hope they learn the awesome feeling of giving to those who need help, which they can continue to do throughout their lives.”
