Blanket Making at Grass Lake School for a Purpose

When Ms. Jennifer Lubar initiated her PBL project with her 6th grade students, little did she know the direction she would be following. PBL is a student-centered approach where the students work on an open-ended authentic problem. After reading the book Long Walk to Water, students were invited to discuss "why should we help others?". A staff member, Christine Pawlowski, visited her class telling the students about the comfort her daughter received upon being given a blanket during her chemotherapy as a small child. This led to the connection with a local non-profit, Pennies with a Purpose. This organization, started by April Soulak-Andrews in honor of her mother, shared her organization's mission of "Learning to give, even when blessed with less."

Ms. Lubar's class took on the task of making blankets to be given to Pennies for a Purpose. Fourteen blankets were made by the 6th grade class. They will be shared with one of the following organizations partnered with Pennies for a Purpose: PADS, Midwest Veterans Closet and Reach Rescue, hospice care centers, senior living facilities, Corey's Project, Willow House, Children's Hospital of Milwaukee, I.O.U Foundation and Love Inc.

"My heart is full. And my eyes are filled with tears. I am proud of your class. Some absolutely beautiful blankets." was the response of April Soulak-Andrews as the blankets were collected and will be distributed to the next person needing a lift of hope from hearts that shared beyond themselves.. Working on the blankets was therapeutic for the students, as they found enjoyment bonding with their peers and talking about life. Many gave up their lunchtime to sit with one another and work on their blankets. They all seemed to feel a sense of pride, knowing they were doing something special and helping others.