Habitat for Humanity Tri-State donates school supplies to Fairland West Elementary

LAWRENCE COUNTY, OH (WOWK)- The Habitat for Humanity Tri-State began raising funds and accepting donated school supplies for Fairland West Elementary as soon as they saw that a part of their roof was blown.

They delivered the donated supplies to Fairland West 5th graders and staff members on Wednesday.

For the past month, Fairland West Elementary students have been displaced since the storm. Water leaked in through the opening, leaving standing water in the hallways, and much of the students’ supplies ruined.

The Habitat for Humanity accepted monetary donations, as well as donations of school supplies at their Huntington ReStore Center, as well as their New Boston ReStore center.

The donated supplies included new books, pencils, binders, and really everything students and staff could need to make the most of the students’ education.

13 News spoke with the Habitat for Humanities Tri-State Homeowner Services Coordinator, who initiated the supply drive. Nikki Hagerman said that a few volunteers she works with graduated from Fairland schools, and that they knew they had to help.

“When I saw the news and what had happened at the school, I knew that we needed to do something. At Habitat, we rely on donations. I thought, ‘This is our chance to give back to our community that has helped us in so many ways.’,” said Hagerman. “So we decided to do this drive, and we got monetary donations as well as school supplies. Then we went and purchased more school supplies so we could donate and help the kids.”

13 News also spoke with the Principal of Fairland West Elementary, Abbie Pannell, and she is hoping to use these donations as a teaching moment for her students.

“It teaches us a lesson that we can hopefully share with our students that when someone helps you out, you can pay it forward, and hopefully share the same with others. Just be kind, and don’t expect anything in return when someone offers you help,” said Pannell.

Restoration efforts at Fairfield West Elementary are stalled right now as the school district is waiting for permits to continue repairing the school. But Principal Pannell said that the finishing touches to the elementary school will begin in July. She said the date set to re-open the doors is Aug. 5, just in time for the new school year.

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