MSGH students raise $8,500 for local families during annual Jog-A-Thon.

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In a heartwarming display of community spirit, elementary students at the Montessori School of Greater Hartford (MSGH) participated in their 5th Annual Jog-a-Thon, raising $8,500 for children in need within West Hartford.

The student-led event, held last month, not only encouraged physical activity but also taught valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and philanthropy.

A total of 63 students worked to organize and gather pledges in the weeks leading up to the event. With support from the local “Town That Cares” program, they learned about the impact of their efforts and how their participation would help local families in need.

Children from MSGH, who raised $8,500 for West Hartford families in need at their annual Jog-A-Thon, deliver gifts to West Hartford Public Schools. Courtesy photo

On event day, the MSGH campus was filled with excited students, teachers, parents, and grandparents. The Lower and Upper Elementary students jogged or walked as many laps as possible while cheering each other on. Younger students stood along the student-made track, offering high-fives and support. Volunteers tracked progress with bracelets, and the atmosphere was filled with energy and enthusiasm.

Following the event, students eagerly tallied up their pledges and raised $8,500. The funds were used to support over 80 families in four West Hartford Public Schools: Whiting Lane Elementary, Morley Elementary, Florence E. Smith STEM School, and King Philip Middle School. Each family received a gift card to assist with their holiday needs.

As part of their hands-on involvement, MSGH students handcrafted gift bags for the gift cards with unique block-print designs. One student shared, “We decorated bags to remind people that others care about them and took time to make them special.”

In December, the students took a bus ride to deliver the gift bags to the schools, where they were greeted warmly and given tours. Whiting Lane Principal Kelly Sousa Purcell expressed gratitude, saying, “We appreciate you coming here and sharing what you did with us because it really is amazing. We’re so grateful for what you’re doing to support our community.”

Rebecca London, MSGH parent and board member, reflected on the importance of this initiative: “The children have ownership in this project, and it connects them to their community. It’s meaningful because they are helping peers their own age, right in their own neighborhood.”

The success of this year’s Jog-a-Thon highlights the power of collective effort and kindness. Thanks to the dedication of the MSGH students, the event will continue to make a lasting impact on local children in need.

Children from MSGH, who raised $8,500 for West Hartford families in need at their annual Jog-A-Thon, deliver gifts to West Hartford Public Schools. Courtesy photo

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