Undoubtedly, everyone has seen the disturbing photos of the devastating fire that destroyed Colonial Beach’s former school building, displacing nearly 300 children and staff due to the proximity of their current facility to the now-ruined building. The burned building was used as a storage facility, and housed much of the school’s paper products and supplies.

School supplies were not the only casualties, however.  The athletic equipment kept in the gymnasium, although saved from fire, was stored alongside hazard materials from the science lab and are virtually non-accessible anytime soon. So, in addition to school and clerical supplies, the elementary school is in desperate need of any type of athletic equipment – jump ropes, basketballs, soccer balls – anything the children can use to stay active and healthy while inside during the winter months.

True to form, UMW employees have expressed their willingness to help. After receiving several calls Monday morning, Priscilla Sullivan, the Staff Advisory Council’s Activities Committee Chairperson, has announced an immediate School/Office Supply Drive to help the children and staff of Colonial Beach Elementary School in the wake of this consuming structure fire. Donation locations will remain the same, with the addition of Human Resources, in Fairfax House. The locations are:

Human Resources – Fairfax House
Jepson Alumni Executive Center
Lee Hall
Marye House
Eagle Village – 4th floor
GW – 3rd floor
Trinkle Hall – 2nd floor
Stafford Campus – North & South
Facilities – lobby

Any questions about donations to Colonial Beach Elementary School should be directed to Priscilla Sullivan, psulliva@umw.edu. CBES has supplied Sullivan with a detailed list of needed items. If you would like a copy, please email her your request.