School briefs

Hundreds of books donated to pupils

"The gift that keeps on giving" might describe the books that Featherstone Elementary School received from customers of Borders Books in Woodbridge just prior to winter break.

"We are absolutely thrilled at such generosity," said Principal Linda Dockery. "Our thanks go out to Borders for this program that will benefit our students for years to come, and to the customers of Borders."

Chaz Foy of Borders called Featherstone librarian Pat Martin in October to let her know that Featherstone had been chosen for the store's holiday book donations this year.

"She briefly told me that during the holiday shopping season, the Borders employees would ask customers if they wanted to donate a book to Featherstone Elementary School," said Martin. "They would collect the donations and we could use them in any way we chose for our school."

Within two months, Borders called Martin to let her know that the book donations were ready to be picked up. Martin and the entire staff were hoping for enough books for all of their 420 students. To the delight of everyone, Borders had collected about 1,700 books.

Minnieville school gets $1,000 gift

The merchants of Smoketown Plaza recently donated $1,000 to Minnieville Elementary School as part of the shopping center's annual holiday shopping spree promotion. The school received the donation courtesy of Heather Rinaldi-Jones. She listed Minnieville Elementary School as her favorite school on an entry form she filled out in Apollo Tanning. Jones' son, Desmond, is a second-grader at the school.

In addition to the $1,000 donation, Rinaldi-Jones received $500 worth of gift certificates to Smoketown Plaza, which is located on Smoketown Road, between Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road.