For Immediate Release: 10/1/2010 1:02 pm
Worcester, MA (October 1, 2010) - The City of Worcester and Wal-Mart announced today that they have entered into a partnership whereby Wal-Mart will replace students’ personal belongings that tested positive for mercury during last week’s mercury spill at the Grafton Street Elementary School.
Students were asked to bring their belongings, such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, jackets and school supplies, back to the school for further testing. Those items that tested positive were not returned to the students and their families. An inventory of these belongings was tracked by student and item by the City’s Emergency Management Team. Wal-Mart has graciously agreed to replace these inventories personal items to assist these affected students and their families.
This structured replacement program will provide approximately 100 students whose belongings were not returned to them with a like item; however, the model or brand may not be exactly what students’ previously owned.
"We are very grateful to Wal-Mart — a true community partner, for stepping up to assist," said City Manager Michael V. O’Brien.
"Wal-Mart is pleased to be able to provide school supplies and clothing to replace items damaged in the recent school mercury incident," said Chris Buchanan, Senior Manager Public Affairs & Government Relations, Wal-Mart. "We will work with the City and the Worcester Public Schools to help families affected by this unfortunate event."
