Mike Belk, principal of Trinity’s elementary school, dreams big.   His dream of a 12-foot high, 720-degree spiral slide for the playground recently came true and stands in the shade of the pines near the campus entrance.  The best part, Mr. Belk says, is that the school did not have to go into debt to the tune of approximately $12,000, but rather purchased the new slide with Box Tops, that little pink logo on so many products in the grocery store.  “It’s really a blessing to have the budget relief when planning the purchase of big ticket items,” says Mr. Belk. 

Parent-volunteers pitch in to help coordinate the program, creating contests between classes, increasing parent awareness and then painstakingly processing each postage-stamp size logo for payment.  Lisa Smith lit the fire a couple of years ago, and Sherri Clark helps fan the flame.  Student contests result in ice cream parties, candy bars, free movie rentals and gift certificates.   Some students have relatives in other states who collect and send the Box Tops in for the benefit of Trinity’s programs.  Mr. Belk says it is not unusual to get envelopes full of Box Tops in the academy drop box.  Each and every donation is used and appreciated. 

If the number of students lining up for the slide is any indication, a wise choice was made.  The fact that it is constructed of stainless steel means it will be around for many years to come.  Anyone who is interested can log on to Box Tops website for the comprehensive list of products that feature the logo at www.boxtops4education.com        

Next on Mr. Belk’s wish list is a half court basketball surface which will not only be enjoyable, but will also encourage increased physical activity and skill development.  It will probably take a couple of years to collect enough of the coveted ten-cent logos but Mr. Belk will tell you it’s worth the wait.

 
Mr. Belk and the new slide