In Focus: Commissioner Wayne Fournier, Santa and friends deliver toys to Tenino elementary students

In the first photo, from the left, Jade and Lincoln Johnson, Santa, AJ Harvey, Luke and Josie Johnson, Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier and his fianceé, Davina Keaulee, pose for a photo at Parkside Elementary School in Tenino on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Fournier and community partners delivered toys and books to all Parkside Elementary School students in Tenino on Thursday afternoon.

Fournier’s office submitted the following account:

A simple act of kindness from a Tenino elementary student has sparked a community-wide gesture of generosity this holiday season.

A few weeks ago, Commissioner Wayne Fournier’s stepson, AJ, asked to bring extra stuffed animals to Parkside Elementary School for “Read with a Stuffy Day.”  When asked why, AJ explained that some of the children at his school didn’t have stuffed animals at home. 

“His compassion stopped us in our tracks,” said Commissioner Fournier. “It was a powerful reminder that kids often show us the purest examples of generosity.” 

Moved by AJ’s thoughtfulness, Commissioner Fournier and his fiancée Davina teamed up with Ross Johnson of RJohnson Construction and his wife Jade to ensure all the youngest students in the Tenino School District had something special this season.

Together, they purchased a toy and a book for every child in preschool through second grade.