Donor Gives $1,000 To Scotland Students

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
January 17, 2013 5:34 PM


Scotland Elementary recently received a gift; not a new Highlander mural in their gym or money for new textbooks.

One hundred students each received $10 from an anonymous donor the day before Christmas break.

While some first think of spending it on candy and toys, this money comes with specific directions.

“The letter that came along with it talked about making sure kids remember that there's good in the world and to continue to good things,” said Scotland superintendent Damon Alvey.   

Those stipulations were relayed to the students.

“For the new students we get an assembly together. We talk about that someone has dropped off a gift for them and what the letter says and what it asks for them to do,” said Alvey.

A sort of, ‘paying it forward.’ While ten dollars may not be enough to change the world, some kids use the money just to make their parents lives a little easier.    

“I used of half of it for my school lunch money,” said Cain Livingston, “because I didn't want my mom to pay.”

Others use their share to help out the community.  

“I bought a blanket for a baby shower at my church,” said Jerica Stark.    

But, this thousand-dollar donation wasn't a one-time thing. In 2005 and again in 2010 the elementary school received anonymous donations with the same instructions.

“To have an anonymous donor remind our students sporadically by giving them this gift, it just reinforces everything we're trying to do on a daily basis here,” said Alvey.

A ‘Secret Santa’ strikes again in Scotland, teaching children the importance of giving.