On a bright summer morning, a team from the Idaho Lottery gathered outside of Home Depot to load a large cargo truck full of supplies – fencing, posts, concrete – along with playground sets and classroom organizing materials. The sun poked up above the Boise foothills with the promise of a warm day ahead.
Once loaded, a caravan of three vehicles and 10 staff members made the drive along Highway 21 out of southeast Boise, past Lucky Peak, along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route up to Idaho City.
Already 85 degrees in the sun when the group arrived just before 10 am, the Idaho Lottery’s community outreach team was making a special, summertime Classroom Wishlist delivery to Basin Elementary, Basin Middle School, and Basin High School – the entire school complex located at the edge of town against the Boise National Forest.
Three Lottery vehicles rolling into Idaho City on a Thursday morning drew some attention from the local residents as the large truck and two other cars pulled into the parking area of the schools. The first delivery went to Echo Davis, pre-K and Kindergarten teacher. She received sensory items, STEM toys, and new playground equipment.
“The sensory items will help with the special needs within pre-K. They will provide sensory opportunities to help regulate emotions and the student’s learning process. Through play and exploration, we want to create a foundation for lifelong learners,” said Davis.
Middle School teacher, Tristin Taylor, received a comprehensive storage solution for the school’s community closet. Residents donate many much-needed items, shoes, coats, socks, food. The storage items are available out of necessity and emergency.
“We have students who arrive from 45 minutes away every day. If they get cold, wet, snow in their shoes, or other items that need to be replaced, and a parent comes to pick them up, they often do not return to school for the day,” said Taylor. “Having the community closet available with key items will keep them in classroom and get them back to learning instead of going home. Thank you!”
The third delivery of the morning belonged to High School teacher Mindi Gras. She received fencing panels, fence posts, cement bags and screws to build an enclosed outdoor play area for her special needs students.
“Some of my students just need a quiet place that’s their own to play and reset for the day,” explained Gras. “An outdoor, enclosed play area will help our students stay where they can be safe during outside play.”
Best of all, the three deliveries arrived in time to be installed and ready for the start of the brand new school year.
