The future of any community starts in its classrooms. At CANA Craft Cannabis, we know that investing in Norton's students today means building a stronger, more vibrant town tomorrow. That's why we're proud to donate to Norton N.E.E.D. as part of our 2025 community giving program — $60,000 across Norton, Fairhaven, and New Bedford.

About Norton N.E.E.D.

Norton Embracing Educational Development — known as N.E.E.D. — is a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to fund classroom technology, innovative programming, and cutting-edge experiences throughout Norton Public Schools. Their motto says it all: For every kid. For every classroom. For every NEED.

Over the past 17 years, N.E.E.D. has awarded more than $238,000 in grants to Norton teachers and classrooms. These aren't abstract administrative expenditures — they're direct investments in the tools, materials, and experiences that make learning come alive for Norton students.

Led by Tracie LaDeau and Trace Mahan, N.E.E.D. operates on the understanding that school budgets can't always cover everything students and teachers need to thrive. When a teacher has an innovative idea for a STEM project, when a classroom needs updated technology, or when students could benefit from a hands-on learning experience that falls outside the standard budget — N.E.E.D. steps in to make it happen.

The organization's grant process empowers teachers to dream big. Educators submit proposals for projects and resources they believe will enhance learning, and N.E.E.D. reviews and funds those that align with their mission. It's a model that trusts teachers, values creativity, and puts students first.

What CANA's Donation Supports

Our contribution goes directly toward N.E.E.D.'s classroom grant program. This means our donation could fund new technology for a science lab, materials for an art program, books for a literacy initiative, or an innovative hands-on experience that sparks a student's lifelong passion.

Every dollar donated to N.E.E.D. stays in Norton and goes directly into classrooms. There's no overhead bloat, no bureaucratic delay — just resources flowing from the community to the students who need them most.

Why This Cause Matters to Us

"Education is the foundation of everything. When Norton's kids have access to great technology, creative programming, and teachers who are empowered to innovate, the entire community benefits. N.E.E.D. has put more than $238,000 into Norton classrooms over the past 17 years, and that's an incredible track record. We're thrilled to contribute to an organization that invests so directly in our town's future."

— CANA Craft Cannabis

How You Can Help

Supporting Norton's students is one of the most impactful things you can do:

• Donate. Send contributions to Norton N.E.E.D., 64 W. Main Street, Norton, MA 02766, or email Nortonneed@gmail.com for more information.
• Attend events. N.E.E.D. hosts fundraising events throughout the year. Follow them on social media or visit nortonneed.org for updates.
• Spread the word. Tell Norton families about N.E.E.D.'s mission and the impact their grants have on local classrooms.
• Connect. Call 508-622-5060 to learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.

Investing in Tomorrow, Today

At CANA, community giving isn't a marketing strategy — it's a core value. When you visit our Norton dispensary at 242 Mansfield Ave, you're supporting a business that believes in putting real dollars behind real causes. N.E.E.D. represents exactly the kind of grassroots, high-impact organization that makes Norton special.

Every classroom grant funded is a vote of confidence in Norton's students and teachers. We're proud to cast that vote alongside N.E.E.D. — for every kid, for every classroom, for every need.

CANA Craft Cannabis is located at 242 Mansfield Ave, Norton, MA. Visit our Norton dispensary page to learn more.