(File Photo) Cary Merrow assisted in March with running a coffee cart at Ewing School, as the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities earned recognition for its services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Pioneer Ladies Civitan is donating a $250 check to the Ewing School by the end of the year. For the third year in a row, the organization has passed along the donation which was raised through various fundraisers during the year.

With the replacement levy to fund the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities failing in the Nov. 4 general election, the Ewing School board has met multiple times within recent weeks to discuss the financial implications of the levy not passing.

“We just write them a check and the teachers determine what they need it for,” said Civitan Vice President Lynn Stoll.

The check donation originated three years ago because Stoll said she heard from a friend that there were kids in need of clothes and items at Ewing. She said they’ve been donating the money around the fall time at the end of the year.

“I brought the idea to the other members that we should donate money to the school,” said Stoll. “We were already helping out with events there so this was just something we were doing to continue helping.”

She said they’ve always been helping out Ewing with various activities such as their annual Easter egg hunt and school dance which is held in March.

Ewing Superintendent Tiffany Neill has provided updates for families and caregivers associated with the WCBDD about board meetings and said there haven’t been any changes made regarding the services provided by the school.

Shortly after the election, Neill released a formal letter and said services provided by Ewing would remain as planned but they’re looking into potential partnerships with organizations to ensure their services continue.

“Please know that every decision we make is guided by care, compassion, and the belief that our children deserve the very best opportunities,” she said in the letter, which was released Nov. 12.

She said they’re planning to be back on the ballot for the upcoming election in May.

“The whole idea is to help the community with the focus being on individuals who are in need of help such as the kids at Ewing,” said Stoll. “We fundraise all year long and we help anyone in need through donations.”

The Pioneer Ladies Civitan is a community service organization with about 30 members who are active in the community. Stoll said she’s been helping and volunteering most of her life so she felt Civitan was a good fit for her when she joined nearly six years ago.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” she said. “We’re either writing a check or doing an event each month.”