By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — The Canajoharie Central School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is immersed in an ongoing drive to collect as many “box tops for education” tabs as possible, with the goal of using them to cover the costs of East Hill Elementary School yearbooks, and they’re looking for help from Canajoharie and the surrounding communities.

Last year was the first that the East Hill Elementary School released a yearbook. Wanting each of the students to have a copy, priced at $13 each, but understanding that some families couldn’t afford the expense, the PTA decided to collect box tops. The “box tops for education” cutouts are printed on numerous products, including many cereals, toilet paper and clothing, meaning that kids wouldn’t have to go out of their way — further than their own cupboards — to begin collecting the box tops, which are each valued at ten cents. After the box tops are collected, teachers organize them into groups of 50 and submit them in return for a check.

Some parents last year paid for yearbooks and also donated box tops, with many families donating extra box tops, so that the PTA was able to give away 47 free yearbooks. The main goal was for every fifth grader to have one, as it was their last year in elementary school, and for every elementary family to have a copy. PTA President Caresse Karlau-Beam said that last year’s initiative was “a really big success,” with 450 yearbooks sold, the full elementary population being 489 students.

This year, Karlau-Beam said they hope to bring in 60,000 box tops — $6,000 worth — which would cover the cost of yearbooks for all elementary school students. Karlau-Beam has been in contact with Canajoharie businesses Peruzzi’s Meat Market, the Elephant Bistro and the Village Restaurant, as well as the 5S Diner in Fort Plain, and they’ve all agreed to put out a box top collection can no later than Monday.

The collection will continue throughout the school year, and whatever is collected beyond the year will be used toward next year’s goal.

Those wishing to donate box tops may also send them to East Hill Elementary School, 75 School District Road, Canajoharie, NY 13317.

The kids have been extremely excited about this initiative, explained Karlau-Beam, noting “they are so excited, they already asked this year if they’re having a yearbook.”

“I haven’t seen the kids smile so much,” added Beam, noting that the PTA is extremely appreciative of the community’s participation.