“”I’m standing in the back of the empty and silent library at Emerson Elementary School. To my right, a reporter from a local television station. To my left, two short suits of armor perched on top of one of the many bookcases. They almost appear to be standing watch. I’m waiting. Four classes of third-graders will be here soon. They’ve made something special and they’ll be giving this wonderful gift away today.
One day earlier, I received an email from Emerson third-grade teacher Julie Hatfield. I write stories about things going on in the district and Julie wanted me to know that instead of sending home extravagant holiday gifts this year, the school’s third-graders and their families sent in donations to make fleece tie blankets for the Salvation Army. The blankets would be given to those in need during the cold holiday season. Thirteen blankets would be made by the kids with the help of their teachers and parent volunteers. That afternoon I packed up my camera gear and drove to Emerson to observe the project, get some pictures, and talk with students and teachers.
When I arrived, the library was divided into eight stations. The stations included areas to work on the tie blankets but also spots to create handmade ornaments and cards for the students’ families. A few minutes after I got there the kids started to make their way in. After getting some background information on the project and simple instructions they split into teams and went to work.
“This project started about seven years ago in a single classroom here at Emerson,” said third-grade teacher Abby Ryan. “Since then, it’s expanded to all of our third-grade classes here at school. We are trying to teach the kids that our community is so important and when we all come together to help we can be the emotion, the voice, and the positive action that propels our community forward.”
The teachers talk regularly with the kids about donations, not just through sharing money but through volunteering of their time and talents. The classes discuss the impact it can have when people help those who might not have as much as they do. And during this time of year, how it’s really the season of giving versus the season of receiving.
“The kids have really embraced that piece of the project,” said Ryan.
Emerson families donated what they could. Some were able to donate money or fabric, others gave of their time and came in to help guide the students through the stations, answers questions as they popped up, but most importantly, to lead by example and show the third-graders the importance of giving back.
“Before we leave for the holiday break, it’s important that we recognize our school’s parents because they really are the ones who are instilling this love of volunteering and donating with their children,” said Ryan.
As I make my way around the room on donation day, I’m struck by the silence and attention of the group of young students as Major Jeff Richardson from the Salvation Army thanks the children and explains who will receive the blankets and how much they will mean to those who are given one the handmade gifts. The students ask questions about the mission of the Salvation Army, how and why people need their services, and what they can do to continue to help others.
“It’s a wonderful thing to realize that at this age teachers are concerned about the future,” said Richardson. “This is a very giving community, and what a great thing to do to teach children as they’re raising up to be giving as well.”
Talking with some of the students, there’s wisdom and a level of compassion I’m not expecting from such young people. One example is soft-spoken third-grader Nikola Mandalis. When asked why this project is important, his answer seems to be beyond his years.
“It can change someone’s life,” said Nikola. “It will make someone who might be unhappy right then, happy again. We talk with our teacher about people having tough times and what we would want people to help us with if we ever had a tough time. I hope this inspires other people to always try to help and to make people feel better if they can.”
The teachers plan to continue the annual tradition at Emerson for years to come. If you are interested in helping out, it’s not too early to donate. The third-grade teachers are already looking for donations for next year’s blanket project. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please contact the school at 608.789.7990.“”””[vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”0″ images=”13331,13322,13323,13324,13325,13326,13327,13328,13329,13330,13332,13333,13334,13348,13335,13336,13337,13338,13339,13340,13341,13342,13343,13344,13345,13346,13347,13349″ img_size=”625×417″]””
