Fundraiser aimed to make holidays brighter for Summit Academy Lorain students
American Legion Post 30 of Lorain donated $2,000 to Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners – Lorain. The contribution went toward the school’s Stuff the Summit Stockings project, which aims to provide every student with a Summit Academy sweatshirt, board game, self-care items, snacks and an added small gift.
“It is important to pass these gifts out to our students because we remind them daily how much the staff care about them. This is the perfect way for us to show them how much they truly mean to us,” says Principal Jasmine Rengh. “It also gives us the chance to show our families how much we appreciate them.”
School Behavior Specialist Kim Wanosky says she was shocked and surprised by the generous donation made by American Legion Post 30, which was the largest supporter of last year’s stocking project.
“We are happy to help Summit Academy and look forward to helping grow our community as much as we can for years to come,” says American Legion Post 30 Commander Jeremiah Garza. “We also want to say thank you to Summit Academy’s teachers and administration; what you do is so very important for our future as a whole but also so important to each and every student at your school. The impact you have on our youth is great and such an important mission.”
In addition to American Legion Post 30, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Lorain County donated $100 toward the cause and private donors have contributed $150 thus far. Local businesses, including Mark Wahlberg RV, have pledged donations as well.
“It is important to provide these gifts so the students not only have something warm for the winter months with their sweatshirts, but know that the staff of Summit care about them and want them to have a great holiday season, Wanosky says.
The campaign is accepting monetary and item (toiletries, candy, snacks and small gifts) donations through December 1. Donations can be dropped off at the school at 2140 E. 36th Street in Lorain. A donation pickup can also be arranged by calling the school at 440-277-4110 or emailing kimberly.wanosky@summitacademies.org or jasmine.rengh@sumitacademies.org.
“I am so excited to see the excitement from our students when we pass these gifts out to them,” says Rengh who, with her school team, plans to distribute the stockings December 19, just before Summit Academy’s holiday break begins.