From Franklin Pierce School District
On Thursday, September 6, a truck pulled up to James Sales bearing gifts that weren’t entirely anticipated or expected by staff at the school. The truck belonged to Ply-Gem, a home exterior solutions company that operates from Auburn, and it was full of dozens of supplies that were donated by the company’s associates. In all, 2,950 items were given to James Sales Elementary.

James Sales Elementary became the target of this generous contribution when Jay Gillon, the husband of Carol Gillon, one of the school’s 4th grade teachers, experienced how much the school needed the supplies and how much his wife was spending out-of-pocket to meet classroom supply needs. When Jay’s employer, Ply-Gem, wanted to host a school supply drive, he signed James Sales Elementary up right away. All employees of Ply-Gem contributed supplies. Shannon Anderson, the company’s Human Resources Manager, coordinated the school supply drive.

When the truck was to be unloaded, students helped with the task. Staff and students alike were extremely grateful for the donation; much cheering and clapping was present.

The school’s Principal, Kristen Schroeder, is also grateful. “We appreciate a local company  that not only supports education by words, but also through their action,” said Schroeder. “Our students feel loved and cared for by the greater community which has inspired them to work hard and do well in school.”