Third Graders are Philanthropists

The third grade students of Charlevoix Elementary School learned firsthand what it means to be philanthropists. Made possible through the Learn and Serve Program Grant, the students were able to purchase supplies to make about 70 fleece blankets for families in our community. The finished products were donated to the Charlevoix Community Christmas Project, which is sponsored by the Ministerial Association of Charlevoix. Bev Boss, chairperson of the project, made a visit to the classroom explaining how thankful she was for the work that was being done by the third graders and how important it is for all of us to work together to help others in our community. The blankets were made by collaborating with generous people in our community. Classroom volunteers started the project rolling by helping the teachers pick out, bag, and deliver a carload of fleece to our classrooms. Through casual conversation, it was mentioned to Nettie Hosler, that the third graders had a large project that needed to be done, but part of the project required adult help (cutting fleece with sharp scissors). Nettie said, “Let me see what I can do to help.” She rounded up several volunteers to aid the third graders with this project. Sue Miller, owner of Hearts to Holly Quilt Shop, donated time and space where the blankets could be cut. The volunteers set aside two “work bees” to complete the cutting of the blankets. When their part had been completed, it was time for the third graders to get to work with the help of classroom volunteers. What a great giving and caring community we live in! This service project demonstrated the old sayings: “Many hands make light work” and “It’s better to give than receive.” The teachers and third graders at Charlevoix Elementary School would like to thank the entire community of Charlevoix for their commitment to make this community service a success.