Two Gilman School third graders, Sam and Charlie, wanted to celebrate their birthdays with a joint party with friends, but felt that they had “enough stuff.” “Charlie’s mom and I suggested a birthday with a charity benefit and they jumped on the idea,” explained Shannon Putnam, Sam’s mother.
The boys asked their friends to bring gifts appropriate for the students in the Bridges program at Gilman. Bridges features a five-week summer institute as well as year-round academic and social support for students from eight Title I Baltimore City schools.
The “stuff” given to friends of Sam and Charlie included playground equipment, books and clothing. Recently the boys presented their party gifts to the Upper School volunteers for the program, who will share them with Bridges students.
