After having to cancel a planned class trip to Hersheypark due to a district-wide budget crisis, an eighth-grade teacher at Wheatland Middle School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, turned to social media for help. Tania Turner says the district faced a nearly $10-million deficit, which led to the cancellation of all field trips. She describes the experience as a shock, adding that she “just could not let it go.”
Determined to make the trip happen, Turner created a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of $8-thousand and promoted it on social media, where she has over 11-thousand followers. In just a couple of days, the fundraiser reached its goal and exceeded $9-thousand, with support from over 150 donors. Her students also made videos to spread awareness, with some receiving tens of thousands of views.
Turner says she was moved by her students’ efforts, noting she cried when she saw them working together to support the cause. With the funds raised, tickets have been purchased and the field trip is back on. Students say they’re excited about going to Hersheypark, while Turner says the experience shows how people can make a positive impact on their community.
Source: WGAL
photo: GETTY