BECOME A JONES HERO

The Jones Heroes campaign is our school’s most important fundraiser for the year, collecting critical funds that go directly to our children, teachers, and classrooms. Typically, these donations are raised within our local community, primarily through our students’ families and local business donors. Our FTO has worked hard to build funding support and reinvigorate needed programs since the 2020 and 2021 Covid-19 pandemic, and we are so proud of all we have accomplished. We believe strongly in the power of community to help us rebuild yet again.

Local businesses can make a tax-deductible donation, supporting our school’s nonprofit while reaching hundreds of Asheville families. Review our donation form and check out the benefits of donating! Jones FTO offers valuable incentives to thank business donors, such as recognition on our Kimberly Avenue marquee, a “thank you” in our parent e-newsletter, and a full-color ad in our musical production program. This year, we are presenting The Little Mermaid JR.; we annually print over 700 programs and welcome hundreds of local families to our play! Donate using one of the methods below:

• Donate online by credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay.

• Fill out our donation form and mail it with a check made payable to “Jones PTO” to: Ira B. Jones Elementary, Attn: Jones Heroes Campaign, 544 Kimberly Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804.

The Jones PTO is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Online donations will automatically receive a donation receipt.

This year, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our school and region are facing unprecedented challenges. Our students missed a month of school. Many families and staff members have been displaced as a result of the disaster, living for weeks without power or water. Damage to homes and businesses has also meant a loss of income for many families, during what is traditionally the busiest tourist season for our beautiful mountain town.

With these considerations in mind, we are reaching out not only within but beyond the Asheville area to support our school and our mission to empower all students to become successful global citizens. Your donation will help to fund:

• In-school tutoring services year-round

• Classroom grants for supplies and activities

• Gift cards and other financial support for families in need

• Financial support for teachers

• Scholarships for after-school enrichment programs that also offer valuable childcare for working families

• Field-trip funding so that all students are able to participate in meaningful, enriching experiential learning

• A resource pantry for school families who are in need of food, clothing, and other supplies

• Playground repairs

• Scholarships for any student to be able to participate in our drama program

To support our Heroes campaign this year, you can:

• Make a donation to the schoolwide Heroes page: All gifts go to fund initiatives like those listed above. The FTO has low administrative costs and no paid staff, so every dollar is put to work!

• Make a donation in the name of a specific Jones student: All funds go to the same pot, whether given to the main page or donated in the name of a specific Jones student. If you think your friends and family might respond best to support your student(s), please find their name here and share their personal fundraising page!

• Share the Heroes link to non-locals: Help us meet our goal with support beyond Asheville. Through this link to donate to the main fundraiser page or this link to encourage donations in the name of your child(ren), people across the country can help a nonprofit FTO, supporting a WNC public school. Here’s a sample letter to customize to ask for donations.

• Donate goods or supplies to our school: Rather than making a financial gift, donors can provide tangible items we need through our online Wish List, which provides supplies that are needed on an ongoing basis and thus reduces our budget. Feel free to share this list with relatives or friends out of town!

Every dollar counts, and no donation is too small. On behalf of the FTO, staff, and students at Jones Elementary: Thank you for your support!