LEWISTON – The Seniors- Plus Meals on Wheels program received two donations from local elementary school students.

Children in the Washburn and East Auburn schools spent the weeks between their Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks collecting pennies for Meals on Wheels, the Seniors-Plus program that provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors in the area.

Through the students, families, teachers and staff, the penny drives raised $680.24, which was presented to Connie Belaire, community recruitment coordinator with SeniorsPlus.

“It’s wonderful to know that young people are concerned about seniors and understand the need to keep them healthy and living independently,” said Belaire.

In addition to teaching the young people the lessons of compassion and concern for others, the penny drive was useful as a classroom lesson.

“Students practiced their math skills as they rolled these thousands of pennies,” said Richard Brouillette, principal of the two schools. “They also learned about making choices in their own lives,” he added, “as they chose to save and contribute their money rather than spending it.”

SeniorsPlus, the local area agency on aging, serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. For more information about any of the services, those wishing can call 795-4010 or toll free 1-800-427-1241


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