Simple Simon's Pizza more than just a slice
Plains School Superintendent Thom Chisholm (left)recieving the box of donations from Simple Simon’s Plains store manager Serena (middle) and crew member Shondell Brown (right). (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Donations made to Simple Simon’s from the Plains community that will be given to local students as needed. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The girls back pack winner went to this beautiful little girl in Plains as she starts her first year of school. (Courtesy photo)
The boys back pack winner pictured here with his prize before donating it back to the school. (Photo obtained through Simple Simon’s FB page)
County residents who love to indulge in a slice of pizza would remember just a few weeks ago that Simple Simon’s restaurants in Plains and Thompson Falls were taking donations ahead of the school start.
“There are families that struggle and to help take the pressure off them with a little donation of school supplies is really a terrific thing for the kids,” said Plains Superintendent Thom Chisholm.
Not only did the Plains school receive a box full of binders, note pads, pencils, crayons and much more; they also received $200 cold hard cash.
“The donations box was what customers brought in to hand over for the kids and the cash was what we raised from every sale of a family size pizza,” said Simple Simon’s employee Shondell Brown.
“Every family pizza that was sold had $2 taken from the cost and put aside for the school. Our owners Shawn and Shawna Purkeypyle thought of the ‘drive’ idea and both stores did really well,” added Simple Simon’s Plains store manager Serena Wachsmuth.
As most of the community knows, some families do it a little tougher than others. So when it comes to the kids, both the school and pizza shop understand that every little bit helps.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, that is so true. It’s not just parents, it’s teachers, it’s the community as a whole that helps these kids reach their dreams,” said Chisholm.
“They’re the next generation, so we need to help where we can,” added Wachsmuth.
The school supplies that were donated will be handed out to school kids as needed through out the year.
The money donated will go to the Elementary councilor as that is where the money is needed most within the school explained Chisholm.
He went on to say that money will be used as needed. It could go to stock up supplies or even buy a pair of mittens for a student that is in need of a pair this winter.
“When you look at the big cities, they may get a big corporate sponsor to donate to a school, but when you have small communities like you see here in Sanders County it’s different. Locals who buy the school books or pencils or anything needed for a student, can know and see that they go straight to the kids, where it’s needed most,” said Chisholm.
The Simple Simon’s team didn’t stop there, as two lucky kids also won a back pack each stuffed full of supplies.
“Our little girls pack went to a young local who by chance was wearing a Minnie Mouse outfit to match the back pack. It was also her first year to attend school and she was really excited to receive the prize,” said Wachsmuth.
“Thom’s [Superintendent Chisholm] son won the boys back pack and he was so generous that he donated the back pack right back to the school. That I think is pretty special,” added Wachsmuth.
She continued to sing praise to the whole Simple Simon’s team as without their dedication and hard work to get box load of supplies they wouldn’t have been able to donate as much as they did.
Both Wachsmuth and Chisholm also expressed their admiration for community getting involved and being a part of something special.
“We get anonymous donations throughout the year, and it still blows me away with the generosity for people ensuring that every single child gets a good education,” said Chisholm.
“We have seen people come in that we know are doing it a little tough and give their last $20 so we could add to the school drive,” added Wachsmuth.
With the school supplies and cash handed over to the school, the Simple Simon’s team are back to what they are doing best and that is making great pizza for the community.
“We want to support the community as much as we can,” said Wachsmuth.
Along with great slices and great prices, the Simple Simon’s team also offered discounts for school staff and students through out the year.
“Next we will be looking at a coat drive,” said Wachsmuth.
The coat drive is sure to be another hit for the local business ahead of this years winter.
“I’m really proud of the friendship and partnership we have between the school and Simple Simon’s. You really don’t see much of this outside small communities like ours. Even better is that we all agree it’s about giving the kids the best chance for a great education so they can be and achieve what they want in life,” said Chisholm.