M&T Bank last week presented a check for $15,000 to Mastery Charter Smedley Elementary School, 1790 Bridge St. in Frankford.
M&T regional president Bernie Shields, vice president Randy Kunkle and Cassandra Bell, manager of the branch at 6500 Castor Ave., made the donation to Smedley for new playground equipment and a bench dedicated in memory of Jamel Parks and his dad, Jerry, who were shot to death in May as they sat in their car outside their Wissinoming home. Jamel, 9, was a third-grader at Smedley. The bench will be next to an existing butterfly garden.
Accepting the donation was principal Cait Murphy, and Jamel and his dad’s family were on hand.
“He was one of the happiest, most joyful children,” Murphy said of Jamel.
The Sept. 7 event featured a DJ, face-painting, an inflatable slide and obstacle course and soft pretzels.
Bell told the crowd that M&T will provide financial literacy workshops for students and staff in the fall.
M&T supports Smedley because it is located between its branches on Castor Avenue and at 7121 Frankford Ave. Smedley has about 800 pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade. ••
