THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Page 7 School desk drive continues to thrive L By Christopher Roberson ast September, Everett Firefighter Joseph MacLaughlin came across a desk while he was cleaning out a family home – and it sparked an idea. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students had started the new school year at home using the district’s remote learning model. Therefore, he knew there would be a need for proper learning spaces. From there, MacLaughlin reached out to Stacy Schiavo, a social studies teacher at the Parlin School, to discuss organizing a desk drive. “When Joe made the offer, I sent it out through Class Dojo and six families immediately responded,” said Schiavo. “I realized that this was a fundamental need for so many of our students. I didn’t want to say ‘no’ to anyone.” Schiavo said the effort had really begun to take shape by the end of last year. “During Christmas, Joe's family sent desks as gifts and he reached out again asking if I had more students in need. Seeing how many of my students needed desks, we put a plan together,” she said. “We reached out to family, friends A student from the Madeline English School. (Photos Courtesy of the Everett Public Schools) A student from the Madeline English School. to be a way to help during this extraordinary time. I’ve realized the adage ‘if you wish to be a happy person, make another person happy,’ is absolutely true.” He said when a desk is delivered, families often ask when it needs to be returned to the district. “The kids are thrilled when they realize that the desk is theirs to keep,” said MacLaughlin. “The project has A student from the Madeline English School. exposed our city as a place of tremendous generosity and empathy. Volunteers, donations, kind words and support have been constant. It takes a village and we have a wonderful one.” Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani said the drive has been “nothing short of awe inspiring.” “Mrs. Schiavo’s proactive approach is emblematic of the creative ways our educators have met the unforeseen factors of the pandemic,” she said. Prior to joining the Fire Department, MacLaughlin had taught in the district as well as coached the boys and girls hockey teams. His mother, Helen, was also a teacher and a principal in the Everett Public Schools and his father, Lester, served on the School Committee. A Lafayette School.student in Marissa Otfinoski’s class. WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,100 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,100 A Whittier School student in Jennifer Valley’s class. and the community looking for donations to purchase desks or asked if anyone had an old desk to donate. When we saw how many people were willing to help or donated, we to extend the desk offer to the entire district, not just my class at the Parlin.” Schiavo also said the desk drive has given her a new “sense of purpose.” “The pictures that we receive of the students at their desk is enough motivation to make sure every student in need is taken care of,” she said. In the months that followed, A Whittier School student in Marissa Steinberg’s class. Schiavo, MacLaughlin and countless volunteers were able to purchase, assemble and deliver more than 150 desks to students throughout the district. As many as 10 desks are now being delivered each week. They also learned that new smaller desks are preferable as most students share a room with at least one sibling. “It’s so Everett to me, the entire community coming together to support others despite the difficult time we are experiencing,” said MacLaughlin. “Neither Stacy nor I are idle folk. It seemed there had Household of 1 = $39,105 Household of 2 = $51,137 Household of 3 = $63,169 Household of 4 = $75,201 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2021 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
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