“”Emerson Elementary School third-graders continue a class tradition by making tie blankets to donate to the Salvation Army.
The school’s third-grade students, families, and teachers donated items to make fleece tie blankets for those in need during the cold holiday season. Last year, thirteen blankets were made by the kids with the help of their teachers and parent volunteers. This year, they will attempt to make more.
The students divide into six stations. The stations include areas to work on the tie blankets but also spots to create handmade ornaments and cards for the students’ families. Tomorrow afternoon, after getting some background information on the project and simple instructions, the students split into teams and go to work.
The project started eight years ago in a single classroom at Emerson Elementary. Since then, it’s expanded to all of the school’s third-grade classes.
“We are trying to teach the kids that our community is so important and when we all come together to help,” said third-grade teacher Abby Ryan. “Together, 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.
“Doing this makes me feel good because it makes other people feel good,” said third-grader Riley Hatlevig. “It makes me sad that some people have to spend the holiday alone, that some people don’t have a home, or don’t get any gifts. We want to make the blankets and do a nice thing for people so they know people care. We’re just kids but we can help.”
The teachers plan to continue the annual tradition at Emerson for years to come. The third-grade teachers are already planning for next year. Anyone interested in donating to the next blanket project can contact the school at 608.789.7990.“”””[vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”0″ images=”14989,14984,14988,14986,14982,14985,14983,14987″ img_size=”625×417″]””