Medford, Ore.– Kindergartners at Roosevelt Elementary received a special gift this morning, thanks to the last wish of a woman who loved art. Over seventy kindergartners unwrapped art sets given to them in memory of Ann Kelly.
Kelly was an art lover herself, but was never able to afford supplies as a child. It wasn’t until she was 80 years old that she realized her natural artistic talent. Before Kelly passed in October at the age of 92, she wanted to ensure a group of kids would have the tools they needed to explore the arts.
Janet Backen, a kindergarten teacher at Roosevelt, knew Kelly well.
“This will be inspiration for them. Some of them took her picture off the package and said, ‘I’m going to keep this picture forever.’ It’s so sweet,” says Backen.
Kelly’s daughter Robin purchased and wrapped the gifts and shipped them to Roosevelt from California.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.