CARIBOU, Maine — Teague Park Elementary School third grade teacher Heidi Clark goes beyond the standard curriculum by showing her students the importance of empathy. Recently, Clark’s class donated 47 blankets to traumatized and injured children staying at hospitals in Caribou and Presque Isle.
The community service effort is made possible with the help of Marden’s stores and Project Linus, a national charity that distributes handmade blankets and afghans to children in need of comforting. Project Linus has handed out more than 6 million blankets since 1995.
Marden’s stores across the state are heavily involved with Project Linus, and all blankets donated go directly to local hospitals.
Clark started last year when another third grade class donated 15 blankets.
“I wrote a grant for the local Parent Teacher Organization here,” said Clark, explaining that PTO receives money from student fundraisers, at which point teachers can use the funds for educational grants.
“I requested $100 and bought fleece at Marden’s, then cut them into [blanket-size] squares,” Clark said. She then has students tie knots on the ends to prevent fraying before they are donated.
No educational time was lost, the teacher said, as students utilized their indoor recess time to craft numerous knots on the outer edges of each blanket.
“No teaching time was lost, but I still consider it a teaching time because it teaches them empathy and how to think of doing for others,” Clark said.
Cintia Woods, supervisor in in the fabric department at the Presque Isle Marden’s said the store has donated nearly 1,000 blankets since 2012.
“It means a lot for the child who receives the blanket and for the child who makes it,” Woods said. “It’s a very nice idea, and hopefully more schools can get involved,” adding that Marden’s matches each donation by 75 percent.
Clark said she’s hoping her students may consider donating more blankets over the summer.
“These kids, maybe over the summer, will think if they just make one blanket, it will impact someone,” Clark said. “I really want them to learn about giving to others instead of focusing on ‘What do I get?’ I think they’ve gained a lot from this, whether they realize it or not, but someday they will.”
Teague Park Principal Cheryl Hallowell offered high praise for Clark’s efforts.
“This wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Mrs. Clark,” Hallowell said. “She’s given her students an extra lesson, not just in math, spelling, and reading, but in how to give back to community.”
As thanks, Marden’s will be treating Teague Park third graders to a pizza party.
