Main Street Community Foundation recently awarded a grant to Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School for $900 from the Lynda M. Mazur and Michael F. Colomonico Jr. Hands-On Fund to support the “Kids Koop” Animal Care program. This fund supports non-sport, noncompetitive programs and activities for children attending elementary and middle schools in Southington. Programs and activities supported through grants from this fund involve direct and active participation by the children, and promote self-expression and personal accomplishment.

The “Kids Koop” Animal Care program at DePaolo Middle School was the perfect fit for this fund. The grant supports the installation of a chicken coop on the farmland beside the school where the school garden is grown. The “Kids Koop” project brings together students in the Animal Helpers Club and the Garden Club to maintain and care for 4-5 chickens, learn the daily responsibilities associated with caring for livestock, and manage egg sales. The chickens are growing fast and will soon be moved into the chicken coop!