A Chinook Middle School Winter Project
I have worked at Chinook Middle School, SeaTac's only public middle school for the past 22 years and I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of our students, families and staff - otherwise known as our Thunderbird Community. It is even more stunning when you consider that Chinook has one of the highest poverty rates in the state. Since many of our families have struggled, they are quick to recognize needs in others and respond in any way they can to help through hard times.
As we wrap up our annual food drive next week with a hefty contribution to the local food bank, our Mitten Tree Project will immediately follow. The tree will stand in our foyer, ready to be adorned with an array of donated mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks! Before we wind up the month and head off for winter break, the tree will be bare once again and several boxes of warmth will be sent off to women and children’s shelters.
The donated items come from several sources. Some are purchased, but many are made especially for this mission. Teachers will purchase fleece to be made into scarves. Family and friends will be recruited to sew, knit or crochet items to give.
Before the first frost hit, I was searching for good deals at Rite-aid, The Dollar Store, and my favorite, Target where you can get 2 pair of magic gloves for $.99! These work great for our mild winters and will fit almost any size hand. I also gather a stock of yarn to be knitted or crocheted and fleece throws to be cut or sewn into scarves and hats.
In our office between assignments and errands, our student helpers often have "down time", when we encourage them to do homework or read. I recognized that there were some very capable hands that could be making a big contribution. When my son was in 6th grade, his teacher taught her class to make scarves using a knitting board. I used this project for Girl Scouts, and my mom used it with her youth group at church, so I knew this would work. I had my husband make the boards with scrap lumber and nails and I hit up my family and friends for donations of left over yarn. As the project grew, we needed more boards so I got our shop teacher involved to make enough for each of our TA's. I also found Knifty Knitters on sale so some students could branch out and do hats after they had done a scarf or two. Some students really take off with this, others not so much, but I encourage them to at least complete one project for the cause.
By the third week of December, it will be hard to find a bare branch on the tree. It will be festooned with a colorful array of head and hand warmers, topped off with a red hat, and scarves draped like garland all around.
And we all hope our little effort will bring warmth and smiles to someone in need this Holiday Season.
Submitted by Janis Landon, Chinook Middle School Registrar
