When the Haiti tragedy struck people took note. The Barnard PTA took almost immediate action. Within one or two days in my daughters backpack came a quick and heartfelt request for donations by the PTA on behalf of Haiti. The note was specific in what was required and the parents really came through.
My daughter was so impressed with the stacks and stacks of cases of bottled water that went almost up the the ceiling and the length of some wall in the school. It was a sight she will likely never forget. I appreciate that she was able to witness this major and spontaneous outpouring of generosity. It made a big impression on her that will likely yield dividends.
One teacher circulated an email requesting boxes. There were so many donations they needed to be packaged. A truck was coming at pick up, could parents bring boxes, she asked. Parents came through with boxes. Sammarco Stone & Supply donated a truck. Teachers loaded the truck. It was an astonishing display of teamwork and generosity.
The teacher later emailed “When I saw all of the boxes ready to go, it made me so proud to be a part of such a caring community.”
Barnard Principal circulated the following email to the Barnard community –
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Vasapoli Mrs. Baez & the PTA,
I’d like to personally thank you for your efforts in arranging for the support of Haiti in its time of need. This means so much to a school building where children learn the appropriate human response from the adults around them. I was personally overjoyed to see how our school community rallied to provide necessary items including food, clothing, medical supplies and an abundance of water to be sent directly to those who thankfully managed to live though one of the word’s worst natural disasters of our time. Those in our school community, including our security guard, 2 custodial workers as well as the Barnard families who have a personal connection to Haiti, were thankful beyond words to see the Barnard response to their plight. I join them again in thanking and congratulating you on one of the swiftest and most meaningful response to a crisis.
Please accept these photos of the transportation of the Barnard donations to the truck (which you arranged) to carry these items for distribution.
Sincerely,
Patricia Lambert
Principal
Barnard School
129 Barnard Road
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Telephone-914-576-4386
Fax-914-576-4625
Great job Barnard! Great job Barnard PTA!
