The Fisher House Foundation, which helps wounded veterans, has received a $4,000 donation made possible by a fundraiser in local schools.

School Superintendent Joseph Erardi announced the donation on Monday. Wristbands promoting Fisher House Foundation were distributed to local schools earlier this month, and students could buy the bands for $2 each during the week of May 14.

The foundation runs homes nationwide that provide a place to stay for families of wounded servicemen and women who are receiving medical treatment.

Rachel Wache, past president of the local chapter of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, said during Monday's announcement that Connecticut might be the only state that does not have a Fisher House facility. She said the foundation is looking to build one of its houses on the grounds of the Veterans Administration hospital inWest Haven. The house is expected to cost $6 million and local groups must raise half that while Fisher House donates the rest, Wache said.

"I have never been so happy to be a veteran as I am now," said Leonard Marcheselle, who attended Monday's announcement. "Someone did something for a veteran and got nothing in return but a big thank you."

The fundraising for Fisher House is part of the school district's larger effort to work with local veterans on programs and activities throughout the school year that promote civic responsibility and awareness among students, Erardi said.

Other activities include a speakers bureau that will bring local veterans in to speak to students about their experiences. School staff and veterans began talking about this in January and the first speaking engagements were earlier this month, said Wayne White, a member of Kiltonic Post 72 of the American Legion.

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