Of a few hundred bricks salvaged from the demolition of the Simpson Elementary School "tower," about 70 remain, said Teresa Lunsford of the Simpson Elementary PTA. 

 

The sale of the bricks - a PTA fundraiser - continues 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 at the Joy Blake parking lot of Bridgeport United Methodist Church, located just above the school. 

 

"With the destruction of the tower at the end of the school year, we thought it would be a nice momento for those who have passed through those halls generation after generation of the school which was built in 1909," Lunsford said. "The funds will be used to help supplement the budget in which we use to fund the different events that the PTA sponsors, such as the International Walk to School days in October and the History Alive program. Also, we hope to sponsor a canned food drive which will be held in November as a school-wide community service event with the donations going to the local pantry, Shepherd's Corner." 

 

Among locals who have already purchased bricks is Terri Payez. Like many others in the community, she has a personal connection to the elementary school.  

 

"I've been a kindergarten aide, going on six years. When my son went there, I was a parent volunteer and involved in PTA," she said. "I've never seen a grade school where parents, grandparents and teachers are so involved and ready to help out ... We just have a great community." 

 

Individuals can purchase a brick for $10 and additional bricks for $5 each, she said. 

 

Questions can be directed to Lunsford at momatc.lunsford@gmail.com.

 

Editor's Note: Photo of brick sale courtesy of Patti Cook