A new fundraising effort by the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence will “impact the lives of more than 3,500 area students and employees,” according to Foundation board member Tara O’Connor.

The money from Project 489 will go to children experiencing a financial need for milk and school supplies, and even teachers, says O’Connor.

As a Hays Middle School science teacher, and the USD 489 District Master Teacher of the Year, O’Connor has dealt with the cutback of special projects resulting from shrinking budgets:

Project 489 kicked off during school enrollment which started Wednesday.

Those considering a contribution are asked to donate $4.89, $48.90, or $489.00 in keeping with the Project 489 theme.