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Band students make scarves for children
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Wanting their old hobby to go to a good cause, Matt Zook (left) and his mom, Carol, donated hundreds of old Beanie Babies to be included in the gifts to the Beatitude House.
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Still early in the day, the students of the Boardman Band were well on their way to the 265 scarves they were planning to donate.
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Organizer of the Boardman Band’s scarf donation, Lynn Yovanovich, held up what the children at the Beatitude House will receive this holiday season- three books, a scarf and a donated Beanie Baby.
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Ever wondered what $3,100 worth of books looks like? With a grant from Mahoning Valley First Book, the Boardman Band is also including three books with the handmade scarves heading to Beatitude House.
By SARAH FOOR
What gets a tired and busy Boardman High School student up early on a Saturday morning? Apparently, a worthy cause.
“This is about Boardman Band supporting our community during the holidays,” said Lynn Yovanovich, who organized a scarf-making event Nov. 13. “We’re making fleece scarves that will be donated to the children of Beatitude House and Sojourner House. For some of those children who don’t have anything, the simple gift of a scarf during the holidays means a lot.”
The Saturday morning scarf-making marked its second year and Yovanovich noted that community support for her project had increased exponentially.
“After informing them of my event, Mahoning Valley First book awarded a $3,100 grant to spend at Boardman Barnes and Noble. Carol and Matt Zook donated a collection of hundreds of Beanie Babies that we’ll also be donating. Last year, we gave 65 scarves. This year, we’re making 265 scarves, and donating a scarf, three books and a Beanie Baby for every child. The support just warms my heart.”
Band students and parents cut and tied the simple fleece scarves with intense focus but many smiles.
“I don’t mind the early morning. They’re simple scarves, but they’re giving some kids a Christmas. How could I refuse?” said worker Kayla Jenkins.