Staff Writer

When Michael and Diane Orlofsky received their refund check from the federal government, they knew exactly how to spend it.

The Troy couple chose to give part of it away.

Friday afternoon, Diane Orlofsky presented a $50 check to Carolyn Hampton, her daughter’s second grade teacher at Troy Elementary School, who plans to use the money for the classroom library.

Her husband handed over a check for $150 to TES Principal Geoffrey Spann for use toward expanding the school’s accelerated reading program.

Now, the Orlofskys are issuing a challenge to others to do the same.

"It’s a good opportunity to feed the mind, spirit in belly," Michael Orlofsky said, adding he and his wife are giving money to TES, their church and will keep a little for themselves.

"I’ve heard a lot of my colleagues talking about using some of it (their tax relief checks) for charity," he said.

With schools getting less money because of proration, the Orlofskys knew their daughter’s school could use the extra funds.

As educators at Troy State University, both were disturbed by the division between higher education and K-12 that was created by leaders in the state and the donation, they hope, will make a point ­ education is education, whether at the elementary school level or on a college campus.

The couple said they feel fortunate they were able to give some of their check to the school and church.

"This is like found money," Diane Orlofsky said. "Why not put it back into the community."

And, Spann feels fortunate to benefit from the Orlofskys’ generosity.

"It would be wonderful if we had parents who would take an area of concern," Spann said, adding the school can always use money to make improvements in things like technology.