Internet Access for All Students - The Campaign was a Success!

Dear Family and Friends,

In early April, the ARMS PGO joined with the other ARPS PGOs to organize a fundraiser to ensure that all Amherst and Amherst Regional public school students would have home wifi access during the school shutdown.  Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised over $45,000 - enough to cover the costs not only for the rest of this school year, but for next year as well. These funds will help close the digital divide and provide more equitable educational access for all ARPS students. 

The PGOs received over 235 donations of all sizes. Our major donors include the Norwottuck Fish and Game Association ($8,000), the Beveridge Family Foundation ($5,000), and the Amherst Pelham Education Association ($2,000), which represents ARPS educators and staff.  Collectively, the elementary and secondary school PGOs gave over $5,500. Thanks to all who supported our fundraiser and helped get the word out. 

To see a full list of donors, please visit arps-pgo.blogspot.com or https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/arps-pgo

If you are able and would like to give further to support our local community, here are two nonprofits that need help during these challenging times:

Give to the Amherst Survival Center’s COVID-19 Response Fund.  As unemployment reaches record highs, the number of households requesting Survival Center services, including hot meals and groceries, has quadrupled and will no doubt continue to grow. Direct financial contributions give them the flexibility to respond to these increasing needs.

Donate to the Downtown Amherst Foundation Relief and Resiliency Microgrant Program.  The Amherst Business Improvement District (Amherst BID)  has created the Downtown Amherst Foundation and is looking to raise $500,000 to support local small businesses that have been forced to close or reduce services due to COVID-19. In a recent BID survey, two dozen Amherst restaurants and other businesses indicated that they may need to close permanently if they can’t get economic support.

Amherst Foundation Downtown Amherst Foundation

Thank you and stay healthy.

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