Jones Elementary School Supplements Fundraiser With Philanthropy

Jones Elementary School’s annual fun run served two purposes this year: school fundraiser and community service.

In addition to raising more than $20,000 for the PTA to use for school enhancements, Jones families donated 875 pairs of socks and 487 pairs of shoes for the West Annapolis Pop-up Pantry.

The level of effort and excitement generated by the school’s yearly fun run, called the Boosterthon Fox Trot, inspired Jones parent Leeann Logue, who attended her first Fox Trot last year. She suggested the addition of a philanthropic layer.

“We have so much energy around raising money for our school and doing good for our school, but could we also do something that impacts the community as a whole and really help the students see the bigger picture?” wondered Logue, who was added as co-chair of the Fox Trot.

The idea was met with enthusiasm, and in addition to the $20,000 PTA fundraising goal, the Jones community set out to collect 222 pairs of shoes and socks – tangible, needed items that also fit in with the theme of running.

The target number represented one pair of shoes and socks from each family at the school, a goal that was not only met, but far surpassed.

After an assembly to launch the fundraiser and donation drive, students had a week to collect leading up to the Fox Trot on February 28, during which the students ran 35 laps around the gym.

A handful of students from each grade were selected by their teachers to assist Logue and event co-chair April Umile in going around the school to collect the day’s donation haul.

“We want our kids to understand that they’re part of a larger community, and that we help each other,” Logue said. “We are so happy with the response from the Jones community, and appreciate everyone who donated, volunteered or helped with this drive.”