Robert Gray Elementary students help keep the homeless warm this winter

Kids collect more than 250 blankets

By Submitted by Noelani Butcher • January 17, 2017 1:30 am
(Noelani Butcher Photo) Robert Gray Elementary School students (from left) Ruby Salazar, Nicholas Johnson, Luke Niemi, Andrea Meraz, Lisa Reyes, Hadley Ritter, and Aili Scott helped organize a blanket drive to keep the area’s homeless warm this winter.
(Noelani Butcher Photo) Robert Gray Elementary School students (from left) Ruby Salazar, Nicholas Johnson, Luke Niemi, Andrea Meraz, Lisa Reyes, Hadley Ritter, and Aili Scott helped organize a blanket drive to keep the area’s homeless warm this winter.

The WeLeaders at Robert Gray Elementary School wanted to help people without homes during the cold months of winter so they organized a blanket drive. The students held a class competition to see who could collect the most blankets. Bragging rights and a hot chocolate party were on the line.

Aberdeen Firefighters Union Local 2639 donated $250 to the effort. The money was used to purchase additional blankets at the Aberdeen Walmart, which gave the group a 10 percent discount on the purchase.

A total 258 blankets were given out to local homeless shelters which included the Friendship House, The Gospel Union Mission, Grays Harbor Teen Shelter, and some were donated to the PAWS Animal Shelter as well.