WESTSIDE — Two area school districts received checks from the Community Christmas Card Fund.

Glenn Duffy Elementary School in Gravette recently received a check for $887.50 which was awarded from funds collected last December. The Gentry Public School District also received a $100 check from the fund.

The Christmas card project was sponsored by NWAnewspapers, which includes the Westside Eagle Observer, through the N.W. Arkansas Community Foundation.

Zane Vanderpool, principal of Glenn Duffy Elementary School, explained how the funds are used to help students:

“It is an honor to receive this award from the Community Christmas Card Fund of the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation. The school recently received the award in theamount of $887.50.

“Many of our students are able to have the materials and supplies (crayons, pencils and folders) they need for school. However there are some students that require extra support in time of need.

“The Christmas Card Fund is used to purchase school supplies during these circumstances.

“These funds also allow for the school to purchase shoes, clothes or eyeglasses in certain situations.

“It is often difficult to pinpoint which ways are best to help elementary students, yet the receipt of this Community Christmas Card monetary award is very helpful to use in support of the students in our school district,” Vanderpool said.

The donation given to the Gentry School District was placed in the account for a Life Skills Special Education classroom, according to Gentry superintendent Randy Barrett.

Sports, Pages 10 on 03/16/2011