For the Reporter

The Auburn Public Schools Foundation provided funding that benefited 19 schools in the Auburn School District during the 2017-18 academic year.

Because of the generosity of donors, foundation leaders said they were able to provide more funding for more schools than ever before.

Schools received funding for tower gardens, calculators, walkie-talkies, a trip to the zoo, the Mount Rainier Institute and other needs, the foundation said.

Beyond that, the foundation said it was able to provide 14 schools with $4,800 to restock their pantries with food, clothing and general hygiene items for students.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for the grant money from the Auburn Pantry Project,” said Jeanne Coke, a health tech at Ilalko Elementary School. “With this generous money, I have been able to provide food for children who have come to school with no breakfast and healthy snack bars for various reasons for the students who come into my health room.”

The foundation is looking to increase funding to the district for the 2018-2019 school year, and looking for individuals to join its grants committee. If interested, please email Natasha Daily at ndaily@auburnpsf.org.