Republic Services partnered with the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation on a neighborhood revitalization project in Murfreesboro, TN. This project created an outdoor classroom for the Walter Hill Elementary School and will support new STEAM learning programs for the community. The project is being funded through a $120,000 National Neighborhood Promise® grant from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation. Local Republic Services volunteers completed a community-wide clean up to help prep for the opening of the classroom.
The goal of the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation is to lessen the financial burden on teachers for classroom essentials and provides schools with items that facilitate learning and fun. The Foundation is focused on supporting teachers, students and schools alike.
“To those who knew Katie, she was a tremendously caring and gifted teacher, who wanted nothing more than to serve her students and her community. Losing a loved one, particularly a child, is an unimaginable tragedy. Thanks to her family, who established the Miss Katie Woodie Fund through The Dayton Foundation, and this generous gift from Republic Services, her legacy will live on and help realize the dream to create an outdoor reading environment for students and staff at Walter Hill Elementary. On behalf of Katie’s family and The Dayton Foundation, we sincerely thank Republic Services for this wonderful gift,” said Michelle Lovely, Senior Vice President of Development and Donor Services at The Dayton Foundation.
What is National Neighborhood Promise®?
The Republic Services Charitable Foundation’s National Neighborhood Promise Program aims to revitalize communities and the quality of life of residents through volunteer projects, monetary donations and in-kind services. This year, a total of $2.95 million will be awarded to 15 nonprofit organizations making a lasting difference in local neighborhoods.