By Anna Skinner
Through a partnership with Kroger and its Community Awards Program, Maple Glen Elementary School has been receiving checks through Kroger Plus Card members that sign up to benefit MGES. Kroger will hold a free community cookout at MGES, 17171 Ditch Rd., to thank the school for its community involvement.
“The Community Awards Program that Kroger has funnels right into our PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) and allows our PTO far greater resources to be able to assist and help the staff and students at Maple Glen Elementary,” Principal Dr. Joe Montalone said. “It’s just made things so much better for students in regards to the type of programs we can help with and the type of support we can give to families and students in need.”
Kroger Plus Card users that sign up to benefit MGES still receive normal grocery discounts, but Kroger gives a percentage back to MGES.
“You don’t have to be a parent of the (students at the school), we will take anybody who wants to enroll,” PTO President Ashley Knott said of the program. “If you’re always wanting to give back, here’s a great fundraiser you can support that doesn’t cost you any money but does give back to the community.”
Last year, the school brought in an extra $10,000 through the program.
“That’s $10,000 extra dollars for our PTO we would never have had before,” Montalone said. “That allows (us) flexibility and vision to start thinking about other incentives (we) want to help grow the building.”
The cookout will feature NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger, who will sign autographs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 21. The cookout will continue until 6 p.m.
In addition to the autograph signing, there will be bounce houses, giant Jenga, an appearance from the Westfield Fire Dept. and the Westfield Police Dept. and more. A K-9 demonstration will occur at 5:30 p.m.
Inside the school, a work of stained glass art completed by MGES students celebrating the school’s 10th anniversary will be unveiled.
For more, visit Kroger.com/CommunityRewards.
