Community

The Building Blocks of Community

Through the Feinstein Foundation, Narragansett Elementary is learning to help others first

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Philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein may best be known in Rhode Island for his family-focused television commercials (he coyly banters with his grandchildren, “see you later, alligator;” and they respond gleefully, “in a while, crocodile!”), but as far as many school children are concerned, he’s a bona fide rock star. When he makes his annual visit to Narragansett Elementary, a Feinstein Leadership School, there’s a palpable excitement in the air among students and teachers alike.

Principal Gail Dandurand says initiatives like the Feinstein Good Deeds Program inspire students from a young age to think about others both in their community and around the world. “We’re very fortunate, not only in our town, but in our country,” she says. “[The students] may not know that some people don’t have as many clothes or know where their next meal is coming from.” The Feinstein program, she explains, aims to motivate students to take action by doing small, simple things that will make a difference in the lives of others. Along with Carol Batchelder, an enrichment teacher at the school who volunteers as the Feinstein program coordinator, and the entire faculty, Gail plans activities like Orange and Pink Day, which encouraged students and staff to wear the two colors on Halloween. Twenty-five cents for each participant went into a fund totaling more than $100 which was then matched by the Feinstein Foundation and donated to the American Cancer Society.

But it’s not just about big organizations. In November, the student body and staff collected more than 400 pounds of non-perishables which went to a local food bank. In December, fourth graders took to their rainbow looms, fashioning more than 100 bracelets for patients at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, just in time for the Christmas holidays. Fourth graders also raised more than $1,100 for the Narragansett/South Kingstown Animal Shelter and the Animal Rescue League. Other local organizations the students have supported include Wel- come House, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, Scallop Shell Nursing Center, Project Undercover and local veterans groups. “Some [ideas] are generated by students, some by teachers... but it brings home the idea of giving back,” says Gail. Recently, a group of students came together for an “appreciation parade” through the cafeteria to honor the “lunch ladies” who work there every day. “They don’t get thanked a lot,” admits Gail, and the event showed the employees their work is valued. “It meant a lot to them.”

Alan Shawn Feinstein, Narragansett Elementary, so rhode island

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