Finding out that a Great Falls teacher lost her home in a house fire was absolutely devastating. As soon as the news was known, staff began to reach out with inquiries on how they could help Jackie Taylor, a second grade teacher.
One thing about Gorham is that teachers and staff look out for one another. When someone is in need, they are the first to provide an act of kindness. Taylor’s very close colleague and fellow second grade teacher, Patty LaRosa, quickly supported Taylor with her immediate needs. An e-mail was sent out to all district staff sharing the unfortunate event and requesting that electronic gift cards be purchased to help Taylor, her husband Dave, and her son Luke purchase clothing as they had lost everything but the clothes on their backs.
Taylor commented that she was receiving gift cards from staff members across the district. Some that she had never met and was overwhelmed with the immediate act of kindness.
Photo credit Stacey SawyerGreat Falls teacher Jackie Taylor, and her husband Dave and son Luke, recently lost everything in a devastating house fire. Teachers and staff from the Gorham school district rallied and organized a fundraising event.
The Maine Education Association (MEA) matches up to $1,500 in donations made by local teacher associations. Knowing this, The Gorham Teachers Association sponsored an event, Teamwork for the Taylors, on March 4.
Five staff volleyball teams participated in the event. The participation fee was $100 per team to help with overall donations. Great Falls submitted two teams, Gorham High School organized a team, the K-5 physical education teachers led a team, and the Gorham central office staff consisting of Superintendent Heather Perry, Assistant Superintendent Chris Record, and their significant others rounded out the tournament as the fifth team.
It was a very competitive and very collegial event. After two hours of round robin play, the final two teams (Great Falls versus Gorham High School) ended the tournament with an intense final match. The prevailing team was Gorham High School.
Following the volleyball tournament, district staff and family members organized a luncheon where staff members donated a lunch item and $5 dollars per person.
Between the luncheon and the volleyball tournament, the Gorham Teachers Association raised $4,000 to donate to the Taylor family. This allowed the Gorham Teachers Association to apply for the MEA matching funds in the amount of $1,500.
The day was filled with laughter, comradery, teamwork, and love. Taylor commented that she was overwhelmed with the extreme act of kindness but it gave her a comforting sense that people are truly good in this world.
LaRosa shared a touching story about when they walked through the Taylor’s fire-destroyed home. “The day after the fire, Jackie and I were in the yellow room searching for any surviving clothes, shoes, photos, memories, anything really. Everything that hadn’t burned, or been water soaked, was damaged with soot and smoke,” said LaRosa.
“Jackie pulled open a big dresser drawer that was built into the wall, as they often were in old Victorian farmhouses, and pulled out this clump of unidentifiable fabric. She looked over at me and sadly said, ‘I’m scarf-less.’ We both had to laugh at that moment of ‘black humor’ because she was, in reality, everything-less. But Jackie does love her scarves,” said LaRosa.
The story inspired a scarf collection for Jackie. Over 80 scarves were collected and presented to Taylor during the Teamwork for the Taylors event. Kindness truly counts and makes a difference in the most difficult events.
Knowing that the Taylor’s journey would be a long one, a You Caring page was created so staff, parents, and community members would have a safe and secure place to donate to the Taylor family. The page has currently raised $5,445. Donations are still being accepted and appreciated.