In an effort to raise funds for specialized classes, McPherson Magnet School is partnering with the local Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market.

Shop for Schools was created by Fresh & Easy to bridge the monetary gap schools face while getting the community into their stores.  Last year, California schools raised over $80,000 through the program, which donates $1 to schools for every receipt they collect for purchases of $20 or more.
“We depend on fundraising, because the funding we get during this budget crisis barley covers the necessities,” said Jeanne Bentley, McPherson’s principal.

The K-8 campus has 785 students.
McPherson raised more than $500 last year, which helped support their Math, Science and Technology program,. This year’s program ends Dec. 31.

This year, the program also introduced a specific “Shopping Night” for schools that offers another way to raise funds.

McPherson’s night is this Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fresh & Easy at 1803 E. Chapman Ave. The school will receive 5 percent of all sales during that time regardless of shoppers being affiliated with the school or not.
Extra funds are needed even more this year as McPherson just had four of their computers stolen from one of their labs. Middle school students who were taking animation and broadcasting classes are without needed tools now, Bentley said.

“If we want to continue to have these extra programs, we need the support of the community,” Bentley said.

– Kim Galbraith & Martin Syjuco

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