Jeans for a Cause at Jefferson School
Jefferson Primary School teachers and support staff enjoy getting dressed up for work and looking like the professionals they are. But many of them have been donning blue jeans on Friday paydays for a special purpose that carries very definite educational connotations.
The Jefferson group is committed to supporting various charitable endeavors so they’ve signed onto the “Jeans for a Cause” initiative. Teachers “dressing down” on the designated day contribute cash, toys or food to a charity that’s been selected for particular week.
It’s been almost a decade since Connie DeGrassi, who was the Jefferson School nurse at the time, approached special education teacher Pattye Sweeney about participating in the fund raising program.
Since it began, “Jeans for a Cause” hasn’t missed a payday. Twice a month Mrs. Sweeney takes donations for various causes. While donating is certainly rewarding enough, Mrs. Sweeney adds to the fun by raffling off a prize, which she herself provides, with all weekly participants eligible to win.
Throughout the years, a vast array of charities have benefited from Mrs. Sweeney’s efforts. While some of the causes are set in stone, such as the first one each September that supports school supplies for youngsters in Nicaragua, a November food drive and a toy drive in December for local charities, others can be more personal and near-and-dear to the hearts of teachers, staff or members of Jefferson’s extended family.
“The program has become an institution at Jefferson, Mrs. Sweeney said. “Years ago teachers and staff were reluctant to approach me for donations to support a personal cause but now we are never at a loss for a charitable organization.” Sweeney said.
The special Fridays provide teachers with teachable moments, where they can discuss the value of charitable work, community service, reaching out and helping others, including those in need and being good citizens.
Over the years Mrs. Sweeney has been approached by many in the Jefferson community looking to make a difference in a personal way. For example, when a member of the school family has been faced with breast cancer, childhood diabetes, Down syndrome, autism, heart disease, and many other of life’s challenges, “Jeans for a Cause” has been there to say “We care.”
The American Red Cross was last Friday’s charitable recipient, with donations aimed at aiding the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
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