Hats and mittens, fleeces and boots, sweatshirts and sweatpants, and rows of brand new koala and bunny slippers. Those were just some of the items folded and laid out by size on ten tables in front of Brewster Public Library on September 14th for the first ever Free Shopping event hosted by Brewster Central School District.
It was truly a collaborative effort to put on the event. Students from Brewster High School Life Skills spent the entire summer at their business Bubbly Bears washing clothing collected from the lost and found bins at each school at the end of the year.
“We got 20 garbage bags from Brewster High School, 2 full car loads from Wells Middle School, 5 bins from C.V. Starr Intermediate and 7 from JFK Elementary, “ said Donna Schneider, Assistive Technology Specialist District-Wide and Instructional Technology Specialist at BHS, who had the inspiration for the idea.
“When I realized how much we had, the idea just came to me. We also got donations from Burlington Coat Factory and Walmart. And Local 60 and CAP donated backpacks and school supplies.
The BCSD tech department was on hand at the event to offer technical support for families.
“We know there’s a need in our community,” said Dr. Michelle Gosh, Deputy Superintendent. “This is a great way to reallocate and help kids feel good when they come to school.”
“I have a large size in the medium pile,” said Joseph Lala, “Where does it go?”
“We have medium sizes on this table,” said Life Skills teacher Sarah Barnes.
"Do you want to help me fold these shirts?” Barnes asked Sean Pino.
“Sure I can help,” said Sean.
“There’s just so much folding. I am getting tired,” said Nicholas Stafford.
"Wait, I see more bags of clothes over there,” said Joseph.
“We have to keep going,” said student mentor Jarrid Bryggman, “We have lots more to fold before our job is done.”
By the end of the day, the ten tables in front of the library were empty–over 65 families had shopped–25 of whom received tech support. The event was a win-win for the district and for families.