Capitol View Becomes Santa’s Workshop
Ken Deever and the Rooftop Foundation brought a day of holiday cheer to nearly 200 2nd and 3rd graders at Capitol View Elementary School.
Elementary school gymnasiums are usually places to find a physical education class or a basketball game or a school concert.
But on Saturday, at Capitol View Elementary School, the gym became an annex of sorts for Santa’s Workshop.
That’s due to the generosity of Ken Deever, Jr. and his Rooftop Foundation, and providing nearly 200 2nd and 3rd graders with a special morning of holiday cheer.
Ken Deever may be best known in the community for the company he founded nearly 35 years ago, Deever Roofing. But to many he is also known for his generosity during the holidays, which led to his creation of the Rooftop Foundation, the non-profit behind the event at Capitol View and many other schools over the years.
Stacey Robles, the community school coordinator at Capitol View, spoke for all of her colleagues when she noted, “This is such a great act of kindness for which Capitol View is very grateful.”
Accompanied by dozens of volunteers from the community and school, the day started with breakfast for everyone at the Old Country Buffet, and then it was off to the Walmart on Southeast 14th Street. There, with a $60 gift card in hand, each student set off to purchase presents for their family members. Whether quickly spotting the right gift or deliberately searching the store for the perfect item, each student was looking for just the thing for their families.
Their purchases were as diverse as the school itself. There were a variety of toys and games, of course. Stuffed animals and dolls filled many baskets. There were big bags of candy, a watch and jewelry here and there, cologne and perfume, and clothing items that ranged from flannel shirts to ties to fuzzy slippers. A football and Iowa Hawkeye pennant will be a gift for someone no doubt looking forward to watching the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
After a bus ride back to school, students found the gym filled with tables supplied with wrapping paper, scissors and tape. They made quick work of wrapping their treasures.
But before it was time to leave, a special visitor arrived: Santa Claus. On their way out Santa and his number one elf, Ken Deever, handed each student a bag of presents of their very own. There were more than a few hugs of thanks.
The staff at Capitol View seemed equal parts giddy and overwhelmed by the gesture of support to their students. A few mentioned – almost in a whisper – that they heard everything cost more than $20,000, as if saying out loud the monetary value might ruin the magic of the moment. Perhaps that’s because they know the real value of Ken Deever’s gift to their students this day was priceless.
