DeBerry School Community Collaboration Kicks-Off Gymnasium Renovation Project:“When Hearts and Hands Come Together”

A public and private collaboration has been working to make the gymnasium at William N. DeBerry Elementary School a place of pride for the students and community members who utilize this facility throughout the year. The 53-year-old gym is in need of repairs to its floor, stage and ceiling, as well as significant equipment for instruction and multipurpose use.

A collaboration of community groups has come together to spearhead the funding drive, including Deberry School Partners, St. John’s Congregational Church, Massachusetts Career Development Institute and Springfield College, as well as Holy Trinity Church, United Bank, TSM Design, Dietz & Co. Architects, Third Baptist Church, Springfield Urban League, Springfield School Volunteers, the Springfield Public Schools and the City of Springfield. Pledges of significant financial support have already been received from St. John’s Congregational Church, Holy Trinity Church, United Bank and Baystate Health System. Many others have pledged to help with donations of materials, expertise and necessary equipment to ensure the gymnasium meets the needs of the school and the community. But significant assistance is still needed from all segments of the community to complete this renovation.

Mary Worthy, DeBerry’s principal, says, “I hope that the community…will hear how this project will impact the students in our school and our surrounding community members and how, in difficult times for Springfield, it could become a model for other community projects throughout the city.” If you are interested in pledging support or for more information, call 787-7582. n