Generous Gestures

In our modern world, everyone loves to receive. Whether it is money, gifts, or prizes, people are always ready to make more room in their life for something new. On the other hand, there is always a person that is the giver, not the receiver. It takes a special kind of person to give or donate something to a person in need or even a person not in need. A wonderful example of some of these people are the people at the Erie Hall Meyer Charitable Fund here, in Gulf Shores, AL.

Most students at Gulf Shores Middle School (GSMS) know that our school is very grateful for what we already have, but could also use a little extra money to buy things that are fundamental to students' education. Thanks to the Erie Hall Meyer Charitable Fund, GSMS, along with the three other schools on the island (Gulf Shores High School, Gulf Shores Elementary School, Orange Beach Elementary School), received a donation of $25,000.

Mr. Phillip Fountain (GSMS Principal) attended a meeting along with the Baldwin County School Board members, also with the other three principals on the island, and Mr. Herb Malone, who works with the Erie Meyer Hall Charitable Fund. During the meeting, the topic of donations to all of the schools was discussed. After the meeting, Mr. Fountain submitted a letter to the charitable fund and Mr. Malone, listing what items were needed at GSMS. In return, a letter was given to GSMS stating that the school will be receiving $25,000 for ‘core educational needs.' Items that fall under this category are items for the library, such as new research computers, new reference books, and new books and A.R. tests. Items for the science classes include: new lab equipment and technology, and for Mrs. Ralston, a new plastic skeleton model. Literature needs include more classroom books and audio players to listen to books on tape, like the three books that have already been read in Mrs. Tuggle's class.

Most people aren't as grateful for what they receive as they should be, but the teachers and students of GSMS are very grateful for the generous donation made by Erie Hall Meyer Charitable Fund. This money will be used for great causes and for important, school-wide needs. Thanks for this generous opportunity; our school will be even better than it already is. The students and teachers of GSMS and the other schools on the island would like to thank The Erie Hall Meyer Charitable Fund for this wonderful donation to our school.

By: Julie Shattuck & Sarahbeth Loper; 7th

Mr. Fountain receives a donation from Herb Malone of the Erie Hall Myer charitable fund
Photo by: Sarah Beth Loper