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Elementary Students Give Back with Handmade Hats

Director and student pose for photo with hats hanging on tree

Students in Gina Klein’s 12:1:1 class at Frankfort-Schuyler Elementary School recently turned a simple idea into a meaningful act of kindness that made a real impact in their community.

As part of the schoolwide Kindness Project, students in the class, which includes grades 3-6, dedicated a month of recess time to learning how to knit hats to donate to the Loaves and Fishes Warming Center in Herkimer. Students learned how to use a round loom, a crochet hook and a darning needle to make the hats, which were each adorned with a pompom. The hats also had tags with inspirational messages on them, such as “You Matter,” “You’re Worth It” and “Stay Strong.”

When Mrs. Klein called the center to make the donation, Christine Lawrence, the center’s program director, invited the class to join them for their opening day ceremony at their new location on March 11. At the ceremony, each of the students introduced themselves and presented a hat to the director and members of the board.

"I am very proud of the dedication the students showed to create something special for people in need,” Mrs. Klein said.

The hats that students made were hung on a giving tree, and Lawrence then presented each student with a gift bag containing items such as bath wash, toothbrushes, socks, squishy toys and more.

The class project was a great opportunity for students to learn a new skill and reinforce the importance of empathy, generosity and community connection – values at the heart of the Frankfort-Schuyler community.

A group of people, including children, are gathered in a classroom setting, holding various handmade crafts and creations.
Colorful knitted hats and accessories lie on a wooden surface.
The image shows a group of young students, some with disabilities, engaged in a craft activity in a classroom setting. The background features colorful decorations and educational materials, creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
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A smiling woman and a young boy stand in front of a decorated Christmas tree in a cozy indoor setting.
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The image shows a smiling woman standing next to a young boy wearing a red sweater in what appears to be a home setting with a Christmas tree in the background.
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The image displays a collection of handwritten notes on a blue background, each conveying a positive and encouraging message, such as %22You matter,%22 %22You are loved,%22 and %22Love yourself.%22
Two women, one older and one younger, are standing in a room with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
A woman and a young boy stand in front of a decorated Christmas tree in what appears to be a home setting.
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Two children, a boy and a girl, are decorating a Christmas tree together in what appears to be a home setting.
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