On June 11, Robert Bruce Elementary School of Santa Maria will hold its second annual rummage sale in the school parking lot from 8 a.m. until noon.
The sale started as a way to combat budget cuts, with the money raised going toward trips and activities for the students at Robert Bruce. Outreach Counselor Lourdes Ramirez described the sale as a way “to acquire money for our school to provide different experiences for the kids to have, to grow both emotionally and academically.”
Proceeds from the rummage sale allow students to experience lessons learned in the classroom in real-world situations, from visits to historic California missions to recycling at the Santa Maria Waste Management Center.
This event couldn’t take place without the help of the Parent Teacher Committee, a coalition of dedicated parents and teachers who provide the backbone for the school’s organized events. Parents are able to sign up to sell refreshments and donate items such as furniture, lawn decorations, and clothing. Students can get involved by helping their parents and teachers sell food or items at the different booths.
Last year’s event raised almost $600, with most of the proceeds going to fund the 6th grade class trip to science camp. This year, however, Robert Bruce Elementary School has set its sights a little higher and hopes to raise at least $1,500.
Another benefit of the rummage sale and its proceeds is the message it sends to parents: “It’s also about having community outreach and involvement,” Ramirez said. “We want our parents and kids to come see the school.”
Intern Malory Ensor compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 9-16, 2011.
