Cohoes teacher part of surprise "A Day Made Better Event"

An Abram Lansing Elementary School teacher was one of 1,000 winners nationwide in the "A Day Made Better" contest.

Fourth-grade teacher Mary Ann DeCarr was surprised by a group of Office Max workers on Oct. 2 with more than $1,500 in classroom resources and supplies for the school.

"I'm speechless," DeCarr said over and over, moved to tears, as she received a new chair, a digital camera and memory card and many other classroom supplies.

"A Day Made Better" is the kick-off of a new company-wide community initiative sponsored by OfficeMax, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Adopt-A-Classroom. It is in response to the fact that teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies.

Abram Lansing Principal Cliff Bird said everyone in the school knows how much DeCarr spends of her own money on classroom supplies to make her students' experience better. For example, she makes memory books for each student in her class every year.

DeCarr's students each received a pencil case with school supplies, as well. As she received her gifts, the students, who were also surprised by the honor, cheered.

The name "A Day Made Better" is derived from the thought that the special event will make at least one day better for educators by providing essential supplies through a high-profile event.

Through the "A Day Made Better" events, OfficeMax seeks to educate and excite the general public to take action and partner with educators and schools in their community.