By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
When the annual Holy Family Elementary school fundraiser Race for Education was no longer able to go on, a creative idea was born — giving students the opportunity to spread joy throughout the community and help raise necessary funds for the school.
"The Race for Education is one of our biggest fundraisers, and the kids love it," said parent and Race for Education volunteer Taryn Crawford.
Typically, she said, it is a fitness-inspired event, where children run, with sponsors donating toward the number of laps completed.
"This year, we had to switch it up since we are not in school and not supposed to be gathering," Crawford said.
So this year, the fundraiser was changed to a kindness-inspired event.
"What we have asked the kids to do is do acts of kindness and that is what we are asking people to support with their donations," Crawford said.
They asked for flat donations and, so far, the community has responded well.
"We have had donations rolling in," Crawford said. "We have been really excited that we have been able to move forward with this event."
This year would have been the 15th annual Race for Education.
"It looks different, but it's still helping us raise vital funds for the school," Crawford said.
Since the school is private, fundraisers at Holy Family Elementary are needed for operational costs and the Race for Education is one of three large fundraisers hosted each year.
"They budget it to run the school, to keep the lights on," Crawford said. "It's used for operating expenses."
While the revamped fundraiser helps keep the school going, the students have embraced the challenge of finding ways to spread kindness with the actions.
"We are really excited the kids have really jumped on the new program," Crawford said.
After they complete an act of kindness they fill out the deed on a colored slips of paper that are later weaved into the fence in front of the school.
Some of the acts are also being posted on the Holy Family Elementary Facebook page.
"Something could have been pretty detrimental and tragic for us has really turned into something that I think brought our faith community together for our school," she said.
To find out more about donating call the school at (785) 625-3131.
