Projects We Fund
We are pleased to have funded the following projects over the last decade.
Arts
Arts and Crafts for Children
Art holds a happy place in children’s lives. MEF has funded several programs for K-12 students both at school and the community centers.
Music Instrument Maintenance & Purchase
The entire community enjoys the school music programs.The cost of instrument purchase and maintenance exceeds the school budget. MEF is happy to help cover the costs so everyone can enjoy the sound of music.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Math Ten Marks
In the past Ten Marks provided additional personalized online math practice and enrichment programs for K-12 Algebra/Geometry. MEF also purchased graphing calculators for student use.
SPARC!
The Stewardship Program in Aquatic Restoration and Conservation (SPARC) enables students to learn about the river nearby. MEF has supported this field-based learning program in partnership with the McKenzie Watershed Council.
Ellie’s Log Book
McKenzie’s fifth grade class provided feedback to Judy Li’s Ellie’s Log. This book is about the local ecosystem. The original classroom set got worn out. So, MEF purchased a new classroom set for the next generation of students.
Field Trip Funding
- Salmon Watch
- Canopy Connections
- Kindergarten at the Zoo
- 4th Grade to the High Desert
School Needs
School Supplies
In March 2020 everyone changed their lives due to Covid-19. The school switched to at-home classes by providing students with devices that enabled them to meet with teachers and classmates online. MEF provided home learning supplies for students. As a result of the Holiday Farm Wildfire, about one-third of students were displaced. MEF helped fund school supplies for several years.
College testing fees
MEF pays college testing fees when students can’t afford them.
Community Needs
Community Internet
The September 2020 Holiday Farm Wildfire destroyed the local internet infrastructure. Quickly a non-profit group stepped in to provide creative solutions to rebuild the system which is so important to students in this rural area during these difficult times. MEF helped fund equipment for the Elevate Oregon project. This allowed students to continue their education online as needed.
Wildfire Relief Fund
When the Holiday Farm Fire reached Blue River firefighters quickly rallied to save the McKenzie School from the flames knowing that it is the heart of the community. Fire reached the perimeter of the football field, burning the stands. But the main buildings were not significantly harmed. Tragically the fire burned a third of the homes of teachers and students. Many who lost their home found places to stay in hotels, with friends and relatives, or elsewhere. As school resumed, with COVID-19 still spreading, many people needed help replacing school supplies, supporting online learning, for gas money to commute to McKenzie School from Eugene, and even for a desk in the hotel room.
The teachers also needed supplies to be able to teach under the chaotic conditions. They asked for funding to improve their ability to teach from home. All together MEF provided over $40,000 in small grants to assist families and teachers from this relief fund.
Whether it be one dollar or more, everyone’s generosity can contribute to the projects we fund. If you are interested please Donate Via The PayPal Button Below.