Story, photos and video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
About 160 Lawton Elementary students, staff and parents volunteered hundreds of collective hours Saturday during the school’s first ever Lawton’s Day in the Community event.
“The day was an incredible success,” said Principal Shannon Blick. “Every single aspect of the day was beautiful; this is a beautiful example of how we can do great things together.”
Last year the Lawton PTO, along with Blick and teachers, began holding monthly Community Building events which were free to all of our Lawton students and family members.
Those events were popular, and the momentum continued this year when Lawton parents Carolyn Swenson and Kelly Dunlop helped form a day of service on March 2. Lawton students and family members were encouraged to volunteer a few hours at Food Gatherers and Brookdale Assisted Living, as well as several stations at Lawton Elementary School, focused on creating items or care packages for Mott Children’s Hospital, The Delonis Center, Meals on Wheels and Huron Valley Humane Society.
“We’re really excited to introduce our kids to the joy of giving back to a community that gives so much to them,” said Dunlop. “Giving back through service is just such a beautiful way to build connections, both with local nonprofits but also families serving side by side.”
The day ended with a “Pasta With A Purpose” dinner prepared by Lawton parent and chef, Jeff Bliven, with assistance from Lawton student volunteers and family members. Proceeds were divided between the Lawton PTO and Peace Neighborhood.
Blick said the plan is to host a day of service every year.
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