Local farmer directs donation to Meherrin Elementary School
Published 11:30 pm Thursday, September 26, 2019
- Bryan Cahill, John Gray, Jake Francis, Logan Parker, Matthew Casper and Braelyn Mattox play a game on the new outdoor sensory activity areas. — Submitted Lynn Varian
Nicholas Branch, Caroline Priddy, Gabby Clemons and Shaniyah Carrington hop, skip, and jump through the indoor sensory paths. — Submitted Lynn Varian
Indoor, outdoor sensory paths encourage activity
By Lynn Varian
NEWSOMS
Southampton County farmer Michael Drake directed $2,500 to Meherrin Elementary School through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Bayer Fund.
As part of its mission, Meherrin Elementary will use the funds to “encourage students to explore, learn and have fun. Both the indoor and outdoor sensory paths and games provide a means for children to be children within the school setting all while still learning. In today’s sedentary lifestyle, our students are encouraged to employ locomotor skills that engage underutilized gross and fine motor skills. We are very excited for what these sensory paths and outdoor games will mean to our students and staff and are deeply appreciative of this generous donation,” said Rickeita Jones, Meherrin Elementary School principal.
Briana Haines, Kylie Parker, Arianna Kirste, Zaiana Powell, Natalie Lawler and Jamylah Smith play in the rings of the outdoor sensory play areas. — Submitted Lynn Varian
Celebrating its 10th year, America’s Farmers Grow Communities partners with farmers to support nonprofit organizations strengthening rural communities. The program offers farmers the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice. It has awarded more than $33 million to over 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.
“A better life is Bayer’s goal. Farmers are invested in their communities, they root for their neighbors, and they know when and where there is a need,” said Al Mitchell, vice president of Corporate Engagement, Bayer. “Farmers are one of America’s best resources, which is why Grow Communities partners with them to direct donations to the organizations they are passionate about and that make a positive impact and a better life in communities.”
To learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.
