The Perry Education Association is doing their part to help the community during this uncertain time created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To that end, the PEA announced they recently received a Community Outreach Grant from the Iowa State Education Association, in the amount of $500. The local teachers will provide a matching $500, as well as $500 each from the Perry Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs. The $2,000 total will be used to purchase food for families in the community, who have been affected by job loss or other hardship as a result of coronavirus closures. The grants will go to selected families who have students in the Perry school system, and all purchases will be from local producers and restaurants.

If that weren’t enough, the PEA also announced that they were helping their own members through the crisis, offering $50 mini-grants. The funds will help cover expenses related to teaching from home. Additionally, the PEA is putting together care packages for members, which can be picked up curbside at the high school tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. – noon. PEA President Jenn Nelson hopes the donations will give families, businesses, and teachers the financial support and peace of mind they need during this stressful period.