Lawrence teachers raise more than $1,000 for town

A Greensburg alumna, Nancy DeGarmo saw her high school torn down and students and teachers start fall classes in portable buildings.

The principal of New York School in Lawrence wanted to do something to help her former hometown – and teachers, in particular – after a May 4 tornado devastated the city.

So she turned to Lawrence educators, and they helped raise $1,075.

“They really opened up their hearts to the teachers and understood that the beginning of school is a difficult time,” DeGarmo said.

She partnered with the Lawrence Education Association, and they asked Lawrence teachers to donate $1 each. DeGarmo set up an account at Emprise Bank, 2435 Iowa, and wired the money Thursday to a bank in Greensburg.

The money will be divided evenly among Greensburg teachers.

They can use their shares freely, like to buy classroom supplies or spend it on dinner after a day at school, DeGarmo said.

The Lawrence principal worked with her friend Sue Greenleaf, a Greensburg school counselor, to organize the fundraiser.

“I think the (Lawrence teachers) were very generous, and it touched their hearts, just as it touched mine,” DeGarmo said.