Laytonsville raises $3000 during Walk for the Homeless

On Wednesday October 16, 2013, Laytonsville Elementary School (LES) held their annual Walk for the Homeless, an event sponsored by Wells/Robertson House. Ninety-five percent of Laytonsville’s students participated in the walk, and many parents and teachers joined in as well. The school was able to raise $3,000 in donations for the Homeless Program.

            Before the walk, students were asked to buy t-shirts or make donations to the cause. “We had several families who paid money but said, ‘we don’t need a shirt, just accept the donation,’” said school counselor Cherie Ward. But most people did buy the shirt, and wore it during the walk to show their support.

            Students also showed off their spirit by singing fun chants and holding up banners. “It gives you a good feeling…that you’re helping someone out,” said fifth grader Angela Nardone. “You’re also kind of representing your school with all the bulldog signs. It’s really exciting.”

            LES does their best to remind students to be “safe, respectful, and responsible,” and the walk gave students a way to practice what they’ve been taught as they demonstrated responsibility through community service. The walk also brought more awareness to the students with regard to homelessness, and gave them an opportunity to improve their community. “I hope that [the students] get out of it that they’ve raised a lot of money for a good cause,” said Ward.

            The Walk for the Homeless provides a chance for the whole school to participate in an event together and allows students and staff to help those who are less fortunate right in their own community.“I think it’s just the coolest thing to see the whole school when you’re at the right angle of the walk,” said Ward. “You can literally see the whole school coming down the road and they have the banners in front of them and they’re chanting and excited.”

            Laytonsville Elementary School also holds a number of different charity and fundraising events, such as Pennies for Patients, Jump Rope for Heart, and also food and clothes drives throughout the school year. The school also provides students with a lot of opportunities to serve others daily. Some students can work as bank tellers for Laytonsville’s Bulldog Bank, and others work as TV crew members for Laytonsville’s weekly TV news program. “Our students are patrols, morning announcers, and partner with students in our school community-based program to read stories and play games at recess,” says Principal Donna Sagona. “LES is a great place to be each day.”