Community Helps Birney Elementary Recover and Thrive

The tragic fire at Birney Elementary School has resulted in an outpouring of community support. The school's foundation, Friends of Alice Birney Elementary, is managing the relief effort through its website, www.friendsofalicebirney.org. The PTA sponsored a bake sale on Saturday, Jan. 21 and raised more than $2,000.

Several other events are in the process of being organized, including the “Food Trucks Rally for Birney Elementary Fire Relief,” scheduled from 3:30-7 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 3. Five gourmet food trucks will circle in the parking lot of the New Vision Christian Fellowship, 4353 Park Blvd., with 20 percent of the proceeds going to the school. Special thanks to everyone who has donated their time, talent, items or money.

The fire damaged the school kitchen and combination cafeteria/auditorium, where the before and after school programs were housed, as well as the recently outfitted “Birney Buddies” room, a center for non-directed play for students experiencing difficulties adjusting to school.

With their indoor cafeteria out of commission, Food Services has set up a large tent on the playground to serve breakfast and lunch, so the students haven't missed a meal. The before and after school programs (prime time and ices education) have been relocated elsewhere on campus. Repairs continue on the school.