Letter to the editor: Unexpected gift was a wonderful surprise at ACC

Talk about it

It was last Jan. 6 after lunch, and our students were playing at recess. As I was going through the day’s mail, I came upon a letter addressed to my attention, but with no return address. Curious, I opened it to find a typewritten letter to Lewis and Wanzek’s classroom, signed only “Friends of Anne Carlsen Center” … and enclosed in the letter was a stack of bills. On top of the stack was a $100 bill, and as I incredulously looked at the others, saw that they were all of the same denomination. I squeaked to my co-teacher, “Karmel (Wanzek), get over here!” and showed her the letter. Together we counted the twenty $100 bills and read the letter, which directed us to use the money for our students’ needs, whatever they might be, or perhaps for a field trip; but however it is used to simply “enjoy the gift.”

After we pinched ourselves and found we were quite awake, we went quickly to the playroom with the surprise. What fun we had showing it to our students and staff! How priceless it was to count each bill, hearing the excitement grow in their voices as the amount grew higher! Our anonymous donor certainly imagined the delight he or she created. The rest of the day was spent in a state of shock, with silly grins on our faces. We have assured our students that the gift is safely in the bank. This really could mean a dream comes true; oh, the pleasure of thinking of all the ways this monetary gift will bless our students! We are so grateful, Anonymous Friends … and humbled and amazed. How can words describe? We only hope that you read this, and can accept our thanks. And be assured we know this gift means something deeper than a monetary donation; we know it’s a piece of your heart. God bless!

Mary Lewis

Jamestown

(Lewis, a special education teacher at the Anne Carlsen Center, also wrote this on behalf of Karmel Wanzek, Connie Harshman, Diane Brandenberger, Pat Albrech and Amanda Hoffman, the teachers and staff of Elementary Two classroom at ACC)

Tags: anne carlsen, opinion, letter, donation