Molly Gustafson, teacher and organizer behind the Temple Sunshine Closet LLC.

KENNEDY – A teacher from Paul B.D. Temple Elementary has created an independent organization to work with the school to help to ensure opportunities are available for as many children as possible.

Created by teacher Molly Gustafson, the Temple Sunshine Closet will work with students and families from within the district to break down non-academic barriers in learning and make sure that students are thriving mentally, physically, and emotionally. Gustafson teaches pre-kindergarden at Temple Elementary School and is entering her fourth year of teaching there. Superintendent Stephen Penhollow stated that Gustafson is a phenomenal teacher, and is frequently full of energy within her classroom. Penhollow noted this energy from Gustafson is a crucial requirement for teaching these grades, as it is necessary to have a teacher that can keep up with so many young students.

“Our kids are busy, they’re fun, they’re loving, and they’re full of energy,” said Penhollow. “They want to learn. They want to be successful. So finding the right people to be a part of the Falconer family is something that we very much strive for, and Molly’s done a fabulous job for us.”

The goal of the Temple Sunshine Closet is to ensure that students all have equal opportunity to learn and thrive once they step into that building. Penhollow noted that the initiative seeks to eliminate any factors that may continue to affect children reaching their goals in school. These factors may include hunger, improper clothing, or a lack of necessary hygiene products. Gustafson hopes to be able to help provide some of these essentials to the students, so that there are no other worries on the mind of the student during school.

Through the creation of an independent LLC, Penhollow made note of the additional opportunities and ability to aid that will be present. Penhollow stated that this is because the LLC will allow for donations from local companies, including clothing and general supplies.

“By creating a board, by creating an LLC, it opens up more opportunities for, you know, charitable organizations to donate, for companies to donate and get some credit for their donations. So it just opens up more doors,” stated Penhollow.

The organization was created under a 501(c)(3) non-profit status, and is a completely separate entity from that of the school, according to Penhollow. Not only does this mean that there will be no costs that the school must take on, but that the organization has independent leadership. Penhollow noted that the organization will be run by a board, which is to be made up by a five-person group of directors that will be led by the president. Penhollow stated that Gustafson is the current president, and will therefore be responsible for aiding oversight policy, enforcement, and financial stewardship for the group.

“It’s an awesome project and undertaking to provide resources for our families, not only at Temple, but throughout the Falconer School district,” said Penhollow. “For [Gustafson] to take on this challenge, and to be the leader of this program, I think is something that the board and I very much applaud.”