Richard Elementary’s gift of kindness

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Richard Elementary presented its Christmas program, “Santa’s Holiday Hoedown" on Dec. 22 in the filled to capacity school gym.
But prior to the start of the program, the school presented a check for $1,627 to the Welcome House Shelter, which will cover its electric bill with Slemco for a month. The average bill at the center is $1,500 per month.
The Welcome House Shelter, located on La. 13 struggles each month to pay the bill. The home takes in homeless families and gives them shelter.
Money for the donation was raised by the Kindness Tree at the school. Each person who made a monetary donation had a green leaf with their name added to the “Kindness Tree.” Money also came from a drawing for a painting by Bailey Lavergne, which was won by third-grade student Dax Murphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Derek Murphy. Bailey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shane Lavergne, is a former Richard Elementary student.
The idea for the tree came from a quote, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees,” by Amelia Earhart.
Donations for the Slemco bill were raised by the Richard Elementary student body, faculty and staff, PTO, BETA, PBIS, 4-H, volleyball and basketball teams and from the Richard Community.
On hand to accept the check were Slemco representative Mary Laurent and Welcome House representative Stacey Miller.