Over the course of three weeks, Montessori Children’s House (MCHkids.com), an American Montessori Society accredited school in Redmond, WA, collected basic needs supplies for Hopelink, a non-profit that serves families on the eastside.
All MCH students and families participated in the collection drive. Elementary students kept track of donations using hundred-square based tally sheets. Students publicized the drive, organized the collection center, sorted donations, packed boxes, labeled the boxes, loaded the rental truck (donated by Guardwell Storage) and unloaded it at Hopelink’s largest warehouse in Kirkland on December 13, 2017.
“With student-led teams and multiple opportunities to work, we noticed a beautiful trend,” said Elementary Program Director and Lead Teacher, Nicole Champoux. “Students who struggle academically emerged as the most effective and reliable team members; they were some of our most eager and consistent volunteers. They approached the work with cheerful confidence that inspired others to work harder. They experienced a sense of belonging and purpose that sometimes seems a little bit too elusive for them during regular classroom time.”
MCH students worked in diverse teams, practicing how to communicate, how to take natural leadership roles and how to follow someone else’s lead. They were always willing and cheerful and eager to work hard.
Here is a final count* of items collected and delivered to Hopelink:
• 60 hats
• 17 pairs of gloves
• 35 scarves
Baby supplies:
• 1680 diapers
• 5914 wipes
• 11 ounces of formula
• 2 containers of baby powder
