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Choffin gives
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
A 35-year tradition of giving at Choffin Career and Technical Center continues.
Kaylor White, early- childhood instructor, and her students launched the effort this year to collect gloves, mittens and hats for children in the Choffin preschool. Any remaining after that distribution will be donated to Mahoning County Children Services.
Tiny gloves and hats decorate a Christmas tree in the school office, totaling about 40 so far. The goal is at least 50.
White said the collection continues through Friday.
“We’ve mostly solicited from staff and our student body,” she said.
Members of the public also may drop off donations or call White at 330-744-8742 to arrange for a pickup.
“It’s a good thing to do,” explained Adreona Goudy, 16, and a junior in Choffin’s early childhood program. “You don’t always have to get. You can give, too.”
Twins, juniors Kiana and Kiara Pickard, 17, agreed.
Some people can’t afford to buy winter wear for their children, Kiana said.
Kiara sees children with faces reddened by the cold while she’s on her way to school.
Distribution to the 30 children in the school’s preschool likely will occur Dec. 21.
“We’ll allow each child to select gloves or a hat,” White said.
The tradition started several years and two teachers ago. The first two teachers were in the school’s business program.
“Then they passed the baton to early childhood,” White said.
The effort allows school students and personnel to contribute to others during the holiday season.
Some children in the preschool come from families that don’t have much, White said.
“This is a way to keep them warm on the inside as well as outside,” the teacher said.
“Some people may think that gloves and hat don’t mean much, but they do. They keep their little brains warm for learning.”
Seeing the preschoolers pick out their new items is something to which Jaymeasha Gibson, 17 and a junior, looks forward.
Junior Dominique Miller, 16, does, too.
“I hope it keeps them warm and it puts a smile on their faces,” she said.
Taylor Brenner, 17, a senior, hopes the items make the children happy. Without Choffin’s effort, some kids might not have adequate protection from cold “because some kids can’t afford it,” she said.