Fourth-graders in Patricia Van Leuven’s class at EJR run an amazing project during the month of December. It’s called Meters of Mittens – and it benefits everyone involved!

The students put the word out via a flyer that is distributed to all students and staff that they are collecting mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for kids who need them. When the donations come in, the students lay them end to end on a measuring stick to calculate the meters of donations. They keep a running total each day, adding it to the amount from the day before.

 

 

“The response is amazing,” said Ms. Van Leuven. “Our EJR community is so generous.”

As of Tuesday, Dec. 12, halfway through the collection time, they have measured 63 meters of warm, cozy accessories for our EJR kids to have when needed as well as the larger Pine Bush community. The goal is 100 meters!

So far they have collected 133 pairs of gloves and mittens, 62 hats and nine scarves.

 

The benefits to the students are both academic and personal. These fourth-grade students volunteer their time before school to help collect the items, measure them and even hang them up near the main office. They are sharpening their math skills by measuring and adding and gaining such a wonderful life lesson – that kindness is key and taking care of each other is essential.

 

The Meters of Mittens project came about when Ms. Van Leuven saw kids in the nurse’s office during the winter who had come in from recess with their hands or ears so cold because they didn’t have the warm accessories they needed for the winter weather. That was 12 years ago. Every year since, she has rallied her class and the EJR community to provide for those who need it. They receive everything from dollar store gloves to hand-made ones! All are so appreciated. The bulk of the donations are kept in the nurse’s office where students can go and get them when needed. Some are also donated to the Pine Bush Giving Tree on Main Street.

Such a wonderful community!