St. Vincent’s School 8th Graders Build Tables
The 8th grade class, along with church members, at St. Vincent’s School of Mount Vernon took on as their Thanksgiving project the building of six durable tables to be donated to HopeNow Furniture Bank [HNFB]. Under the direction of Beth Robinson, their teacher, and Tom Bierley, deacon of St. Vincent’s and a member of the Knights of Columbus, adult members built the tabletops and leg supports, and the students put them together.
Wayne Dunlop, volunteer and board member of HNFB, spoke to the eighth grade class at the beginning of the project, telling stories of individuals and families helped, explained the mission of HNFB, how it works, and of the ongoing needs of the organization. Ms. Robinson had all but emptied the classroom of all desks and chairs prior to Mr. Dunlop’s talk to give the students a sense of what it would be like to live in a home without basic furniture. Consequently, all attending were forced to sit on the floor. Many questions revealing interest and compassion were asked.
The students helped load the HNFB truck with the tables and donated puzzles and games they had collected for the children that HNFB helps.
