A Vernon school is spreading warmth throughout their community this holiday season.
Okanagan Landing Elementary students donated enough clothing and blankets to fill 43 boxes, which were donated to the Upper Room Mission Monday.
“People need help and it’s cold outside,” said student Matayah Ratcliffe, who brought in “a lot of blankets.”
“People need warm clothes,” added classmate Makenna Doyle.
It was Terry Petersen’s grade 5/6 class that spearheaded the initiative, getting the whole school involved.
“We wanted to do something special for the community,” said Petersen. “We’re very fortunate most of us in this part of the community, and we have an abundance.”
The 341 school children, and parents, jumped right on board with the idea.
“They were bringing in bags and bags of clothing over their shoulders,” said Petersen. “They were excited about helping other people.”
Even before the clothing drive was finished, the recent cold snap prompted the school to bring most of the donations over to the Upper Room Mission.
“People came down and picked through it,” said URM’s Lisa Anderson of the piles of coats, scarves, pants, blankets, hats, gloves and more.
Along with feeling good about giving, students were happy to share and help others.
“If we keep it all to ourself it would be selfish,” said student Ashton Sutch.