BURRILLVILLE – Teachers at Burrillville High School and Middle School can now eat lunch in comfort, thanks to a donation by Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses.
The business delivered three new dining room sets for one of the break rooms at Burrillville High School over Thanksgiving recess.
The furnishings replace a mismatched mix of tables and chairs that used to fill the room.
“Some of the staff members were actually using old student desks and chairs while eating their lunch,” said Assistant Principal Ashley Crenca.
According to Crenca, the generous donations showed up at the school soon after the request was sent. And it was the second the furniture store donated to the district in less than a month.
Cardi’s donated two couches and two dining room sets – including chairs, tables and benches – to Burrillville Middle School earlier in November. Furnishings there were also used to update a previously mismatched teachers’ lounge.
“We feel very fortunate to have received such a generous donation,” said BMS Principal Katie Lord.
“We thought that the chances of Cardi’s donating to two schools in one district in such a short amount of time were low, but it was worth attempting anyways,” said Crenca.
Crenca said that school officials applied for the donation on Saturday, Nov. 16. By Tuesday, Nov. 19 Peter Cardi notified them that the donation was approved.
“Within hours, a representative called and set up a time for delivery,” Crenca said.
Just one week later, the new furnishings arrived.
“We thought having it delivered while the students and teachers were off last Wednesday would make for a nice surprise the Monday after break,” she said.
“Our teachers work hard for our kids,” said Crenca. “Their time for enjoying lunch and getting work done is an extremely important part of their day, and we want to make sure they are doing so in an environment that feels professional.”
The donations, she notes, were not part of any specific program, but the Cardis have long billed themselves as “furniture store owners, brothers, and community and charity supporters.”
“This donation will be appreciated and utilized for many years to come,” said Crenca. “We are truly grateful for Cardi’s generosity.”
