Just days after the tragic shootings in Newtown, Ct., a call went out from the National PTA to help Sandy Hook students and teachers when they return to school after the holidays. St. Barnabas is responding and invites the community to join them.
"When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building," said National PTA President Betsy Landers and Connecticut PTSA President Jim Accomando in an email. "Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible."
St. Barnabas has set up a snowflake station in its first floor lobby, with a variety of colorful papers and all the supplies needed to make beautiful snowflakes. Beginning Dec. 21-Jan. 9 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., visitors are welcome to come and make snowflakes. Visitors can write their name (optional), city, and state on the back of each snowflake so Sandy Hook students and teachers will know the world is thinking of them. The snowflakes will be collected by St. Barnabas staff and shipped directly to Sandy Hook Elementary School.
"How could we not respond to a request like that?" said St. Barnabas CFO Michelle Holcombe. "And with schools out for the Christmas holiday, it's a great volunteer activity for students and families." Already residents and staff are preparing snowflake messages of comfort and hope for the Sandy Hook community.
St. Barnabas is located next to Siskin and Erlanger hospitals, directly behind Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. For directions, see
www.st-barnabas.com.