Parkland's Holiday Campaign Under Way

Anyone wanting to make holiday donations to the ’s new  in honor of a teacher, bus driver or other staff member can do so online or by mail.

Officials are offering up the holiday gift option as a way to honor teachers or staff while supporting the foundation's "Celebrate Innovation" grant program that will be rolled out in January. Under the new program, staff will be able to apply for a grant to implement their creative ideas for enhancing classroom instruction or improving the community in some way. 

Patch first told you about the  in October.

The holiday tribute will include a card designed by Parkland graduate Alyssa Long that can be personalized with holiday sentiments.

Donations can be made:

* Online at http://www.parklandsd.org/foundation/

* By mail, care of the Parkland School District Education Foundation, 1210 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA  18104.

“It is our hope that Parkland staff members will be truly honored to receive this type of gift, knowing that donations will make a difference in our schools and signify appreciation for their dedication and commitment to our students,” Superintendent Richard Sniscak said in a prepared release.  

The non-profit Parkland Education Foundation already has raised $19,000 in pledges through employee payroll deductions.

“Many of us look forward to the opportunity to take part in the grant-making process," Foundation Board President, Buddy Lesavoy, said in the release. "I am grateful that we will be able to support new ideas this school year thanks to the generosity of so many staff, parents, and community members.”

Various school districts in the state have been setting up non-profit foundations to help during tough budgetary times due to shrinking state and federal subsidies and lower commercial property assessments. The National School Foundation Association counts about 4,500 foundations nationwide.