Nestled along Maine's Downeast coast, Harrington Elementary School serves approximately 115 students in grades Pre-K through 6. For many in Harrington, the school is more than a building. It is a cornerstone of the community. Under the leadership of Principal Eric Brooks, students are supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential while families and community members come together through learning, events, and programs that enrich lives across generations.  In a place where connections matter, the school serves as both an educational home for children and a hub of opportunity for the broader community.

While the beauty of rural Maine shapes a deeply connected learning environment, it also presents challenges. Counseling services and access to theater and music programs can be limited, and enrichment opportunities that are common in larger communities often require additional planning and resources to bring to students in Harrington.

"One of the biggest challenges is being in a remote area," Eric explained. "Programs and services that may be readily available elsewhere can be difficult to access here."

Rather than focusing on those limitations, Eric seeks ways to build partnerships and bring new experiences to students and community members alike.

That is why every Hannaford Helps Schools dollar matters. Whether supporting enrichment programs, educational experiences, or additional resources for students and adult education participants, those funds help turn possibilities into reality for learners of all ages.

This year, Eric made a conscious decision to take a deeper dive into promoting the Hannaford Helps Schools program, determined to maximize every opportunity to bring additional resources into the school community. His goal was simple: make it as easy as possible for supporters to direct their School Dollars to Harrington Elementary School.

Rather than simply sharing a few reminders, he took a strategic approach. Using promotional materials from the Hannaford Helps Schools toolkit, along with social media, community outreach, and regular communications, he worked to keep the program top of mind for families, community members, and supporters. He was particularly intentional about timing, often scheduling posts and reminders to coincide with times when people were most likely to be shopping at Hannaford.

Those efforts paid off. Combined with enhancements Hannaford made to the program, Harrington Elementary's earnings grew from $483 in 2025 to $4,375 in 2026, far surpassing expectations.

The results represent far more than a dollar amount. They reflect a community that rallied around its school, turning everyday shopping choices into meaningful investments in education. By raising awareness and encouraging participation, routine trips to Hannaford became expanded opportunities for the students, families, and community members the school serves.

For Harrington Elementary, those opportunities often take the form of enrichment experiences that inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives, and expose students to new ideas and learning opportunities.

"The enrichment piece is so important," he shared. "Being able to expose kids to different things and have different experiences promotes a more well-rounded education and can foster lifelong interest in the arts."

One example came in 2025, when funds raised through Hannaford Helps Schools helped bring Chunk the Whale, a traveling educational whale exhibit, to Harrington Elementary School. The interactive experience provided students with a unique opportunity to explore marine science, a subject deeply connected to Maine's coastal heritage. Experiences like this help create memorable learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. They also reflect the school's broader commitment to lifelong learning and enriching the community it serves. As a community hub, Harrington Elementary also uses resources to support adult education participants, creating opportunities that benefit learners of all ages and strengthen the community as a whole.

With the significant increase in Hannaford Helps Schools funding in 2026, Eric is excited to collaborate with his staff to ensure the community's generosity is translated into meaningful experiences that students and families will benefit from for years to come.

Throughout the conversation, one theme surfaced repeatedly: gratitude.

Eric spoke passionately about the power of community, demonstrated through this program as Hannaford and community members come together to invest in the success of others.

"We appreciate the community's partnership as they support our school and we do our best to support kids," he said.

He also emphasized the school's commitment to making every contribution count.

"We make use of every dollar and appreciate that so much."

As Harrington Elementary looks to the future, Eric hopes those who have supported the school through the Hannaford Helps Schools program know just how meaningful their contributions are. Whether they live in the Harrington area or chose to direct their School Dollars to the school from afar, their generosity helps create experiences, expand horizons, and support learning across generations.

"It really is a community effort," Eric said.

In a small rural community, that effort means everything. It means opening doors to new experiences, helping learners of all ages grow, and reminding people that they are surrounded by neighbors who believe in them and their future. For Eric, the true power of Hannaford Helps Schools lies in its ability to bring people together around a shared purpose: helping their community thrive. It is reflected in the partnerships built, the opportunities created, and the collective impact that occurs when people come together to support one another. In Harrington, that is more than a program outcome. It is the power of community in action.

Published September 21, 2026