The Newtown Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Thrift Shop raised $500 to support the Newtown Middle School Garden and Outdoor Classroom project after the success of its recent fundraising initiative.

The proceeds, collected during the shop’s March 28 operations, will directly benefit the school’s efforts to provide a sustainable, dynamic extension of student learning. The outdoor garden classroom serves as a hub for hands-on, interdisciplinary education, offering students unique opportunities to engage with the environment while focusing on wellness.

The middle school program offers sustainable student endeavors, where they take the lead in planning, planting, and maintaining the garden and foster essential skills and a deeper connection to the environment.

The space provides dedicated areas for outdoor fitness and movement for both students and teachers. Students can also explore the emotional, social, and physical benefits of gardening and mindful, healthy living through this initiative.

Cris Fadus, a volunteer with Newtown VNA, said the organization is thrilled to support such a vital program in the community.

"Our thrift shop is run entirely by volunteers," Fadus explained. "Our commitment to supporting local projects like the Garden Classroom remains a top priority. We thank everyone who shopped with us to make this donation possible."

The Newtown VNA Thrift Shop is located behind Edmond Town Hall and is open to the public every Saturday from 9 am to noon. All proceeds from the shop go directly toward supporting health and community-focused initiatives in Newtown.