St. John’s Students in Brunswick Warm “Hearts” and “Hands”
BRUNSWICK---Thanks to the efforts of the sixth graders at St. John’s Catholic School in Brunswick, many local community members in need will have a warmer winter, both against the elements and in their hearts.
The students completed the “Warm Hearts, Warm Hands” service project last week, an idea of teacher Karin Paquin, which collected donations of new mittens, hats, scarves, and hand warmers from All Saints parishioners and the St. John’s school community.
“They set a goal of 100 sets and ended up with 115,” said Principal Shelly Wheeler.
On Thursday, the students walked the large collection to The Gathering Place in Brunswick, which was founded in 2010 to offer daytime shelter, friendship, and hope to the materially poor or homeless. Guests find a sanctuary free of judgement, others who share their experiences, and access to resources and opportunities to improve their lives. With simple card games to life skills classes to computers, the center fills lonely daytime hours with positive energy, respect, and possibilities. On its first day, The Gathering Place received 7 guests. Now, on a typical day, the center warmly welcomes over 80 people.
