Generous neighbor showers Arlington with gifts

Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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Arlington fifth-grader Dequora Coulter announced to the whole school that Windstream was donating more than $5,200 worth of classroom supplies and equipment. (Principal Robert Wilkirson whispered the details in her ear.)

Arlington fifth-grader Dequora Coulter announced to the whole school that Windstream was donating more than $5,200 worth of classroom supplies and equipment. (Principal Robert Wilkirson whispered the details in her ear.)

Arlington fifth-grader Dequora Coulter announced to the whole school that Windstream was donating more than $5,200 worth of classroom supplies and equipment. (Principal Robert Wilkirson whispered the details in her ear.) Employees of Windstream Communications unloaded the school supplies outside Arlington Elementary. The donation was part of the company's Green Truck Tour, which promotes the safety and security of land-line phones.Arlington Principal Robert Wilkirson likened the Windstream gift to getting presents when it's not your birthday.All the students thanked Windstream for its generosity, which included a SMART Board and projector.

Teachers at Arlington Elementary School made out their wish lists, and a local business delivered in a big way.

“It’s kind of like getting presents when it’s not your birthday,” Principal Robert Wilkirson said Wednesday as Windstream Communications dropped off more than $5,200 worth of school supplies and teaching equipment at the downtown Lexington school.

Windstream employees unloaded a pickup truck filled with a couple dozen large brown boxes and presented the gifts to Wilkirson, his staff and students, who had gathered in the gym. Among the items:

  • A SMART Board and projector
  • Handheld dry erase boards
  • Solar calculators
  • Colored paper, construction paper, copy paper and card stock
  • Post-it notes and staples
  • Pencils and sharpeners
  • A date stamp
  • Chart tablets and sheet protectors
  • Duct tape and transparent tape
  • Jump ropes
  • A rock collection

“Everything I’ve bought for my classroom this year is out of my own pocket,” said second-year kindergarten teacher Christie Elkins. “That they would give us anything is tremendous!”

Windstream area manager Tim Williamson said his company was glad to lend a hand.

“It’s awesome when we can come up with some funds to help the community, especially the kids,” he said, noting the enthusiastic atmosphere at Arlington.

Windstream Corp. provides voice, broadband and entertainment services to customers in 16 states. The company is making donations to schools throughout its territory as part of its third annual Green Truck Tour to promote the safety and security of land-line phones.

“We chose Arlington because it’s in our neighborhood – just down the street from Windstream’s office on New Circle Road,” Williamson said. “Our employees pride themselves on being strong community partners and good neighbors.”