WEST PARIS — The parent-teacher organization that has long worked to support Agnes Gray Elementary School has donated $5,500 to several local organizations that support youth and families, including the two schools West Paris children have attended since last year.

With Agnes Gray closed and its future to be determined by the Maine Department of Education, West Paris’ PTO members decided to donate the funds rather than sit on them.

“We’re on hold right now,” Terry Brooks, president of the PTO, told the Advertiser Democrat. “We collectively decided to distribute them to different places that benefit West Paris children now.”

Over the years West Paris PTO has raised money to help Agnes Gray teachers and students obtain supplies, provide winter boots and clothing for children, distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and fill Christmas lists for local families.

West Paris Explorer’s Club, which has had to bounce around following Agnes Gray’s closure, received $2,500. The group is using the donation to renovate a new, permanent location at Ledgeview at 184 Bethel Road.

The West Paris Library and Food Pantry were each granted $1,000.

Paris Elementary School, where students between first and sixth grade currently attend, was gifted with $750.

Guy E. Rowe School in Norway, which some Agnes Gray students attended between February and June of last year, received $250.

“The schools have been great about welcoming West Paris kids,” she said. “Our kids go to Rowe. It’s not West Paris, but it’s been nice.”

Fundraising projects have been suspended for the time being but the group has not disbanded.

Brooks is currently involved with ECHO, Rowe School’s PTO group. She also coaches youth soccer and basketball. Her three children have attended school in Norway for the last year.

“We want to thank all the businesses and individuals who have donated to the West Paris PTO and supported us over the years,” Brooks said. “Whenever we’ve asked for help, there is never any hesitation.