CiTi Students Bring Warmth To Homeless Youth This Holiday Season

by Submitted article | December 19, 2014 10:37 am

Students at the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation got into the holiday spirit recently as they made blankets for homeless youth in Oswego County.

The Exceptional Education program at CiTi teamed up with Oswego County Opportunities to bring the gift of warmth to nearly a dozen youth in need throughout the area.

CiTi students and staff members present blankets to Larry Fisher, the manager for two Oswego County Opportunities youth programs.
CiTi students and staff members present blankets to Larry Fisher, the manager for two Oswego County Opportunities youth programs.

Students in grades seven through 12 worked alongside their teachers as they followed directions and learned about generosity to create and donate 10 blankets to OCO programs that aid homeless youth.

On Dec. 17, the collaborative effort culminated when the students presented the blankets to Larry Fisher, the manager for OCO’s Program to Assist Teenage Homeless and Job Assistance Readiness Training initiatives.

“It’s awesome to see kids helping kids,” Fisher said as he thanked the students and staff members for their efforts. “It’s a great thing that you guys do with the blanket project. The recipients really do appreciate it and the blankets are something they can take with them when they leave the program.”

From left are CiTi students Sam Hollis and Tyler Seales; Larry Fisher, of OCO; and CiTi students Tyler Kuwaliski and Joe Gardner.
From left are CiTi students Sam Hollis and Tyler Seales; Larry Fisher, of OCO; and CiTi students Tyler Kuwaliski and Joe Gardner.

According to CiTi Exceptional Education counselor Jo Ann Smegelsky, the lesson in giving is one that will stay with the students forever.

“This is the fourth year that we have done this project and the kids really enjoy it,” Smegelsky said. “They read ‘The Quilt Maker’s Gift’ and we talk about the definition of generosity versus sacrifice. They get such a sense of accomplishment and happiness that they were able to help someone in need.”

CiTi students Gary Proper (left) and Tyler Seales make blankets to donate to homeless youth in Oswego County.
CiTi students Gary Proper (left) and Tyler Seales make blankets to donate to homeless youth in Oswego County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry Fisher, of OCO, accepts blankets from CiTi students Tobey Mills (center) and Seardan Darrow. The blankets were made and donated by students and staff in the CiTi Exceptional Education program.
Larry Fisher, of OCO, accepts blankets from CiTi students Tobey Mills (center) and Seardan Darrow. The blankets were made and donated by students and staff in the CiTi Exceptional Education program.

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