PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Carr Hardware's "Round-up for the Schools" campaign donated over $8,500 in personal protective equipment to three local school districts.

 

"We are a community business that believes in giving back, it's just part of our core culture," President of Carr Hardware Bart Raser said. "Our kids and schools need our help more than ever and school safety is paramount. We are thrilled to be in a position to do our part and appreciative of the generosity of our customers who supported our teachers and our students."

 

Tuesday, Carr Hardware representatives made the rounds and delivered PPE to three local school districts: North Adams Public Schools, Lee Public Schools and Pittsfield Public Schools.

 

Deliveries included masks, sanitizer and commercial disinfectant sprayers 

 

"We are so thankful to our community partners at Carr Hardware for supporting our schools." North Adams Superintendent Barbara Malkas said.

 

School district's throughout the Commonwealth must adhere to strict guidelines in regard to COVID-19 to allow in-person education. This includes the use of masks, constant cleaning, and available handwashing stations and hand sanitizer.

 

"The Round-Up Campaign that Carr Hardware engaged in this year was amazing," Lee Superintendent Michael Richard said. "The support dedicated to our community, and others in the area, is remarkable. The efforts of Carr Hardware is what distinguishes their stores from others; they truly care about the communities that they serve. Our students, staff, and families will all benefit from this extraordinary donation. Thank you."

 

The campaign started at the end of August and Carr customers were given the option to round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar and Carr would match those dollars 100 percent. Carr Hardware also had change collection jars stationed at all locations for customers to donate

 

"The Pittsfield Public Schools are so grateful to our neighbors at Carr Hardware for supporting our schools in yet another way through the Round-Up Program,"  Pittsfield Superintendent Jason McCandless said. "Carr Hardware has been there for the Pittsfield Public Schools and its students in so many ways over the decades, and we thank the Raser family and the whole Carr Hardware family for once again being there for children of Pittsfield."

 

Carr Hardware is now working on plans to hold another campaign in November.