Two years ago, the Parkland School District helped to launch the education foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose primary goal is to raise funds in support of the academics, arts and athletics in the district to preserve a tradition of excellence and help build the dreams of children in the community.

As the holidays approach, the foundation is announcing two holiday programs.

The first program allows parents, staff and other community members to make a tax deductible donation in a teacher or any other staff member's name as a holiday gift option.

The tribute will include a student-designed holiday card that can be personalized with holiday sentiments.

Card orders can be placed online at parklandsd.org/foundation or by mail to: Parkland School District Education Foundation, 1210 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104.

Cards may be mailed directly to the staff member or sent to the donor to insert a personal message to be hand-delivered to a teacher, bus driver or school staff member.

"We hope Parkland staff members will be honored to receive a tribute gift, knowing that donations will make a difference in our schools and signify appreciation for their dedication and commitment to our students," Superintendent Richard Sniscak said.

The second program includes the sale of a community discount card made possible by the generous businesses listed on the card who are also offering card users valuable discounts.

To order the card, fill out the order form and mail payment.

Cards will be mailed within five business days.

All proceeds from the two fundraisers will support creative ideas via the "Celebrate Innovation" grant program that offers staff members the opportunity to apply for grants to enhance instruction or improve the community in some way.

The foundation's annual report lists an overview of the 57 grants, as well as all of the donors who supported it during its second year of operation.

One-hundred grants of more than $150,000 have been made over the last two years.

For more information about the foundation or to donate, log on to parklandsd.org.