Nokomis Elementary Receives Surprise Matching Funds for Clayton Fire Donation
Mendo-Lake Credit Union Doubles school Donation
�On September 16, Mendo-Lake Credit Union (MLCU) surprised students and staff at Nokomis Elementary School by announcing it would match the schools $600 donation to victims of the Clayton Fire in Lake County.
Nokomis Elementary counselor Keenan Tyner spearheaded the schools fundraising effort and was thrilled by MLCUs generosity. Tyner said, "Almost all of Nokomis students qualify for free or reduced lunches, so financial donations are a big deal and these kids really dug deep."
Staff members joined the 105 students who donated to the fire victims, representing almost a third of Nokomis student population. Fourth grade classes engaged in a friendly competition to see who could raise the most money, and fourth grade teacher Jan Steliga helped assure that every member of her class who wanted to participate could. As a result, every single one of her students participated.
Fifth-grader Meghan Coberly-Keck donated the most of any individual on campus, a total of $40. When Meghan brought the donation to school, a school employee called Meghans family to be sure such a big donation met with their approval. It did.
Meghan had her photograph taken to recognize her contribution, and she asked her mother to come to the school to share the experience. Meghan said she liked to raise money for people who need help; last year she raised money to support kids with cancer. Her mother said, "Meghan is a compassionate, generous girl. Im really proud of her." Meghan clearly appreciated her mothers support, hugging her warmly before running back to class.
Tyner came up with the idea to raise money for the fire victims within weeks of school starting. He organized the two-week drive to help instill a sense of community among the kids and to help people who live in Lake County, where he grew up. He learned that thousands of dollars worth of donated goods went to waste during last years Valley Fire, so he wanted to donate what people needed most: money.
He contacted MLCU Marketing Director Jamey Gill, a former Lake County teacher who lost her home in the Valley Fire, who enthusiastically supported the Nokomis Elementary fund drive. The Nokomis funds were donated to the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund, which was established by North Coast Opportunities and MLCU at the onset of last year's Rocky Fire.
"Mendo Lake Credit Union loves to support community causes, especially ones as important as this. We recognize how generous these students have been and are pleased to build on their good deeds," Gill said.
Nokomis Principal John McCann said he was impressed, but not surprised by the students generosity. "I always say Nokomis is the best school in the universe."
