Posted November 10, 2011

Students in Miss Henry's Home and Career Skills class display two of the no-sew blankets that will be donated to those families affected by Hurricane Irene.

Each semester, the eighth grade Home and Career Skills students at Shaker Junior High School participate in an activity called, “The Global Humanitarian Unit.”

During this lesson, students are taught the importance and relevance of community service. The faculty members then select a group in need and make items to donate to their cause.

This year, the eighth graders are helping the victims of Hurricane Irene. Students are creating no-saw blankets and neck-warmers. The blankets and neck warmers will then be dropped off at The Lighting Place to be donated to needy families.

The Lighting Place has become a drop off location for everything those affected by the hurricane may need.

“We’ve helped many people both near and far over the years,” SJHS Home and Career Skills teacher Tracy Henry said. “This year, after seeing the devastation that those around us experienced after Hurricane Irene, the choice was simple.”

Students have expressed pride and satisfaction in their efforts as they know that their items will go a long way this year.

“Some people lost everything,” Henry said. “The students have told me that they feel so good about themselves knowing that they are helping to keep some people – maybe even someone of their own age – warm this winter.”

"Teamwork will always help the hard side of life," eighth grade student Chris Connolly said. "Even though everything seems glum - never give up."

All items will be donated this afternoon to The Lighting Place. According to Henry, they were more than happy to partner with Shaker Junior High School on this endeavor.

“They were very excited when we called,” she said. “They told me anything you can bring is great.”

News Channel 13 will also be profiling this project in a future newscast. We will post the link to our website as soon as the piece airs.