Philanthropy Spotlight: Audubon Elementary School Family Assist In-Need Coworker

By  //  October 24, 2020

Audubon Elementary School custodian Lena surprised with gift for new vehicle

Audubon Elementary School officials, teachers and families presented Lena with $3,400 for a new vehicle. Papa Vito’s and the Bouck family donated $1,000 each, and the rest of the money raised for Lena came from donations made by the staff, families past and present, and retired teachers that wanted to show their love and support for Lena. (BPS image)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story came to us via Audubon Elementary School Principal Candace Jones of Audubon Elementary School on Merritt Island and Brevard Public Schools “Headlines” digital newsletter.


“I sent out an email to our Audubon Family here on campus and posted a message on our Audubon PTO Facebook page. Instantly, the response was so positive.”

By Leslie Johnston, Office Clerk, Audubon Elementary

This past summer I noticed that one of our custodian’s car windows were down and it was getting ready to rain. I radioed her on the walkie and let her know she needed to roll them up.

She replied that the windows do not roll up. I suggested that we cover them with plastic and she said, “The seats are already wet and I’m used to it.”

Shortly after finding that out, something broke on her car and her son had to drive her to and from work each day.

Well, this bothered me and I could not get her off my mind. I spoke with our head custodian Don Lampkins and he said, “Lena has been trying to save for a new car for a while but doesn’t have that much yet to get something reliable.”

He also said that he was helping her look for a used Ford Ranger. I suggested that we reach out to our Audubon Family, the community, and business partners to see if we could raise a little money to help with her financial situation.

I sent out an email to our Audubon Family here on campus and posted a message on our Audubon PTO Facebook page. Instantly, the response was so positive.

One of our business partners, Papa Vito’s, sent in a $1,000 donation and an Audubon family, the Bouck’s, also sent in $1,000. The rest of the money raised for Lena ($1,400) came from donations made by the staff, families past and present, and retired teachers that wanted to show their love and support for Lena.

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Lena had no idea this was going on for the past month. Last Friday we called her to the courtyard where we all gathered and let her know that we pulled together, once again, to help someone we love in their time of need.

We presented her with a banner that read “$3,400.” She was quite overwhelmed and honesty a little in shock.

“I really appreciate everyone, there really is hope in this world,” said Lena.

This year has really been a doozie! It was wonderful being a rainbow in someone else’s cloud!

“Audubon has such an amazing community spirit, it was wonderful to see everyone working together to support one of our own in need,” said Principal Candace Jones.

“Audubon does indeed capture the meaning behind ‘The Heart of Brevard’.”

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