GORE BAY—Christmas came early for students and staff at Charles C. McLean Public School in Gore Bay after a donation by a Manitoulin Island businessman.

“We are so grateful for this incredible donation,” wrote Tracey Chapman, principal of C.C. McLean, late last week. 

Rodney (Barney) Deforge of Barney’s Bargain Barn in Little Current recently donated 3,240 items, mostly made up of books, as well as some toys and muffin mix to the school, free of charge.

“Our students were absolutely thrilled,” stated Ms. Chapman. “It is amazing to see them so excited about reading. They haven’t stopping saying thank you!”

Ms. Chapman explained the school has stocked its school library and classrooms with the books. In addition, “all of our students have been able to select several books to take home with them. We had multiple copies of some books and donated them to the Ontario Provincial Police’s Stuff a Cruiser event.”