Murray Education Foundation reports $372,416 from "giving machines"; McMillan PTA brings students to board

The Murray Education Foundation reported a record total of $372,416 raised through its City Creek Mall "giving machines," the foundation told the Murray School Board on April 2.

Mr. Perry, representing the foundation, gave a breakdown: $140,880 for coats, $39,536 for socks, about $74,000 listed for school supplies (the board materials show an ambiguous figure in the transcript), $38,950 for athletic sponsorships and $78,975 for health-care or doctor-visit support. He said the foundation has some flexibility in how the funds are used but must spend them within one year.

At the same meeting, the McMillan Elementary PTA and several outgoing sixth graders addressed the board. Students who introduced themselves by name shared short remarks: "I have loved my time here at McMillan," said Nola Nickerson; other students cited favorite events such as assemblies, field day and the first-grade Nutcracker. PTA president Ashley (surname not recorded in the transcript) invited board members to McMillan’s field day on May 26 and thanked staff for their support.

Why it matters: the foundation’s donation provides targeted resources for items such as coats, school supplies and healthcare support for students; student and PTA remarks illustrated community engagement at the elementary level.