Soft and Snuggly

For the past eight years, Eastport Elementary School students, have been on a mission to "pay it forward" and help others stay a little warmer through the winter. Third through sixth graders participated in the school, "Build a Blanket Workshop," along with several high school students and teachers. Twenty-six beautiful no-sew fleece blankets were created and donated to The Timothy Hill Ranch, in Riverhead, a group home for youth at risk. For over two hours, after school, they worked on the blankets and made cards to send along.

Fifth grader, Anthony M. shared, "It was an amazing experience doing Build a Blanket. I loved it, especially making blankets for teenagers in need." Ryan J., a fourth grader added, "It was fun because we were helping people. I was also surprised, because a lot of people came to help." Third grader, Katie G. exclaimed, "Some people don’t have things to keep them warm and we made them blankets. It made me feel good and my heart grew bigger, because I was doing something nice for someone!" Scarlett M. added, "Hopefully, whoever gets the blankets is comfortable and excited to get them!" Lastly, their Teacher Maria Plitt, noted, "Each year I’m amazed by the students’ determination and patience to make the blankets just so, it is so impressive."

An Apple A Day Helps Keep Hunger Away

The students and staff, led by teacher Maria Plitt of Eastport Elementary School, worked very hard last year in Eastport’s Green Dream Garden and were able to donate 350 lbs. of vegetables to a local food pantry. This year, thanks to a grant, they purchased and planted 15 dwarf apple trees. Recently, the teachers and students, planted the trees and learned about growing apple trees from expert, John Leuthardt. He spent more than 2 hours explaining the process to the children. The apple trees will produce fruit this fall and will be donated along with vegetables. Some of the produce will be sold, at a student run Farmer’s Market to support their school garden.