11/14/12 For Kendalle Hunter Verkler, the project to collect blankets for local families started simply.
“When I was getting ready for bed one night, I had to go get a blanket because my mom always turns on the fan,” remembered Verkler. “I just thought about collecting blankets and giving them to people who need warmth for the winter.”
Verkler, a third grader at Washington Discovery Academy, decided to get her school involved in the project. She asked Principal Andrew Hartley for permission to have a “pajama day” at school, where students and teachers brought in blankets to donate.
Soon, Verkler was joined by two other third graders, Callie McCan and Vandayln Daniels. The three girls busied themselves making posters to hang up around the school and spreading the word to their friends and families.
So far, about 90 blankets have been collected. The project will continue until Dec. 14, and the blankets will be distributed by WTCA.
“An idea like this generated by a student is really exciting,” said Hartley, “We want to encourage the desire to help others.”
“I was surprised that so many kids brought in blankets and really care about helping,” said Verkler.
Verkler has been involved before in Shop with a Cop and Pack a Backpack.
She said the most exciting part of this project is knowing that it is a new idea she came up with herself. Kendalle plans to do a similar project next year as well.
Provided by our news partners at the Pilot
