Donor Supports Life Skills Teachers

One of the best parts of my job is interacting with donors. Throughout the year, I see so many people in Corvallis that are truly dedicated to quality public education for every student that it's difficult to decide what to highlight, but occasionally, a particular donor really stands out. Lew McLaren is one of those donors.

Lew drove a schoolbus on one of the special education routes in Corvallis for 13 years before retiring and now volunteers in one of Jefferson Elementary's two life skills classrooms. The life skills classrooms are for students with significant educational needs outside the general curriculum: adaptive physical education or physical therapy, occupational therapy, communication assistance, or other needs. Lew says that he always looks forward to his time in the classroom, both for working with the students and working with the teachers.

"The life skills staff are really special people," he told me last week while we sat down for coffee. "Working with kids with special needs draws the best out of parents and teachers." In addition to his volunteer time, Lew has also been a donor to all 4 life skills classrooms and the WINGS program for several years. I asked him this morning, "Why do you donate?" His answer was a tribute to how observant and supportive he is: "Because I really appreciate the work they do. I don't like that so many teachers have to reach into their own pocket to pay for supplies and they do it all the time. This is a way I can help them."

Thank you, Lew. Your donations not only help and honor these hardworking and dedicated teachers, but also honor the hardworking students they support.