Reading offers up sweet experience for Robinwood students

Life for the fourth-grade class at Robinwood Lane Elementary recently proved to be like a box of chocolates. The children had no idea what they were going to get when they wrote letters to chocolate companies after reading “The Chocolate Touch” and “Chocolate Fever.”

A group of 28 children, all under the instruction of their teacher, Jan Zorman, each carefully constructed letters to chocolate manufacturers hoping someone would be able to answer their questions. Their curious minds had just finished two fiction books, both of which led their characters into some pretty sticky situations, after eating far too much chocolate. Gorant Chocolatiers, a chocolate manufacturer located at 8301 Market Street in Boardman, was happy to reply the children’s inquisitive questions.

“We were delighted and honored when we received their letters,” said Joe Miller, president and owner of Gorant. “We didn’t want their questions to go unanswered and we also wanted to encourage their love of reading.”

So, on Dec. 11, Gorant Chocolatier staff members, loaded with answers to the students’ questions, chocolate samples, pictures and a life-size candy bar, made a trip to Robinwood Elementary School. The fourth-grade class attended the assembly and were treated to some behind-the-scenes factory pictures, chocolate samples and pictures with Charlie the Chocolate Bar.

Each student was treated to a Gorant candy bar and a golden coupon for later use. The letter writers also received individual awards for their letters, as well as treat bags. One lucky child, Kamryn Daritza, was also treated to a “golden ticket.” She got to take a factory tour with a family member over Christmas break at the Gorant factory. These tours are very rare, due to health department regulations, and limited to individuals only.

“We are so grateful to Gorant for taking time to come to Robinwood and talk to the children,” said Zorman. “They were so excited and just couldn’t wait. We didn’t get a good response from the other chocolate manufacturer, and Gorant went above and beyond what we expected.”

Miller felt it was the Gorant company that was grateful for the opportunity.

“The children were so well-behaved and inquisitive,” he said. “We had a great time. Afterwards, every fourth-grade student sent us another packet of wonderfully written thank you letters. Mrs. Zorman and the other fourth-grade teachers are top-notch. What a great group of teachers and students.”

Miller has owned Gorant Chocolatiers since 2009. The company, also referred to as the Yum Yum Tree, was previously owned by American Greetings. Gorant has three retail stores in the Ohio region – the Boardman factory store, a Canfield location [Westford Commons] and a New Towne Mall location in New Philadelphia. In addition, there are three Mahoning Valley licensed Gorant stores, located in Austintown, Warren and Howland.

“We appreciate the support of our community over the years,” said Miller. “Getting out into a local school was great fun for us and we’d like to be able to do it more often.”

Gorant offers fundraising opportunities for non-profit organizations also.

“Our candy bars are a great and easy fundraiser for kids to help their schools with much needed help,” said Miller. “Plus, we have great Easter fundraising opportunities. We make sure the kids have fun, while at the same time offering a wonderful treat and helping their school.”

Gorant is planning a return trip to Robinwood in the spring, after the children finish reading “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Each child will be given a special treat from Gorant, once they complete the book.

“We really want to encourage the love of reading in children,” said Miller. “If a chocolate treat helps them do that, we are happy to oblige.”