Fourth-graders at St. Rita School in Webster can’t believe all the winter coats and gear that they collected in their Warm Is The Way To Be service project. The students began by designing and distributing posters to encourage all St. Rita students and families to donate warm clothing to local non-profits in need.
This year 129 coats, 17 pairs of snow pants, 211 mittens, scarves and gloves, 50 sweaters and 10 blankets were donated as part of the project. On Jan. 24 fourth-graders and their parents sorted the donations and distributed them to Mary’s Place, a refugee outreach center, and to Bethany House, which offers emergency services for women and children.
“This project reminds the students that they belong to a larger community,” said fourth grade teacher Maggie Frank. “What they can give from their own homes can really help someone."
Many of the items belonged to the students themselves. “It is a good lesson for my son to see the mittens and coats that he once wore being passed on to someone who may not have enough to stay warm," said one fourth grade parent.
Tying service to faith is another component. This project brought to life their religion class and Jesus’ teaching “If you have two coats, give one to the poor” (Luke 3:11). We are proud that our students live what they are taught at St. Rita’s,” said principal Mary Ellen Wagner. “It’s what we do.”
