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Rachel Patterson Elementary School and Fountain Correctional Facility have formed a partnership to help the school’s most needy students.

Principal Toya McMillian said Friday that Fountain’s employees pulled together some money, and purchased requested gifts for four of the school’s students. She said the school is grateful for Warden Butler, Warden Wood, Mrs. Simmons and the Wexford Staff, along with allof the officers and employees of the facility.

“They held a needs/toy drive with the wardens, officers and employees,” McMillian said. “The participation from everyone for their drive was out of this world. The employees were able to purchase everything on our students’ Christmas wish lists including bicycles, a hoverboard, a pink dollhouse, a toy pony, superhero toys, remote control cars and trucks, baby dolls, clothes, shoes and lots more. All four students also received a pair of Air Jordan tennis shoes to match the clothes that were purchased.”

McMillian said one student even requested snacks on their list, and of course, that particular child received several boxes of snacks for home and school.

McMillian said they’re aiming for the partnership to be long term.

“They have said if we have someone that meets the need to reach out to them (Fountain),” she said, adding that when (William C. Holman Correctional Facility) realized Fountain was doing it, Holman decided it was going to as well. Holman has adopted an entire family.”