Since the Foundation for Wareham Education was founded in 2009, its been able to provide some of Wareham’s teachers funding in areas where funds have been cut, with over $26,000 going to over 50 projects within Wareham Public Schools.

“I’ve had students in my class who didn’t know what a library was,” said Laura Pol, a teacher at Minot Forest Elementary, who with the help of two grants from the Foundation for Wareham Education was able to set up a Book Swap in 2012 and was able to purchase a wooden rolling book cart for every grade at the Minot School. “It’s worked out beautifully,” she said.

On Friday evening, several Wareham residents and supporters from teachers to donors to administrators were on hand for the third annual “Taste of Wareham” event held at A.D. Makepeace Company’s Box Mill Hall, where another $2,000 or so in grants were awarded to several Wareham teachers for the funding of special projects for their students.

The recipients included: Jacqueline DeGrace, a third-grade teacher at Decas School, whose Pen Pal Program encourages students to improve their writing skills while communicating with senior citizens in town; Joy Higgins, a Wareham High Honors Biology teacher, who with the help of the grant will bring students to the Body Worlds Vital Exhibit at Faneuil Hall in Boston; Bonnie Lasorsa from Wareham Middle School (grade seven), whose students will participate in Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children in need; Stephanie Soares of Wareham High School, who with the grant will provide the school’s biology students with visual learning aids; and Maureen Manning, who with the help of the grant will provide CARE and STEAM summer program students with “Hands in the Dirt,” an organic gardening program that will culminate in a Farmers’ Market.

“It’s really neat when you can do something where the money goes directly back to the kids,” said Foundation member and donor Geoff Worrell of Franklin American Mortgage Company. “It’s important that we provide as much support back into the community as we can, and are encouraging others to do so as well.”

Rebecca Gakidis, President of the Foundation for Wareham Education, said that since she became involved with the group in 2012, she’s been very impressed with what the teachers have been able to do for their students with the funding.

“I’m really proud to be part of such a purposeful mission and I’m privileged to have seen so many wonderful programs be implemented in the three years I’ve been involved.”

Mel Lazarus and Rhonda Veugen of the School Committee were also on hand, and both spoke highly of Gakidis and the Foundation’s efforts since 2009.

“She has done a terrific job of putting this all together,” said Lazarus.

“It’s been a phenomenal learning tool for our kids,” added Veugen.

Lasorsa, one of grant recipients, said the funds will aid student Seraphina McGrath’s efforts to support Project Linus, and that it would also help also help her and fellow seventh-grade teacher Sue Taber’s classes learn about community service and the importance of giving back within Wareham.

“As a team, we’d like to support (McGrath) for making blankets,” said Lasorsa. “Every seventh-grader does research on nonprofits to see what they can do to give back. Hopefully they’ll go and volunteer.”

Gakidis said the Foundation is always looking for more volunteers and new members. For more information, visit foundationforwarehameducation.org.