High schoolers give back to community with craft day for children

Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle was filled with smiles and Christmas cheer on Saturday during the first-ever Children’s Christmas Craft Day. Students from Presque Isle High School’s Class of 2020 held the event not just as a fundraiser for their class but also to give back to the families and local businesses in their community. 

The craft day coincided with Small Business Saturday, a day designated on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving to support small-business owners in communities across the country. Parents brought their children to Wintergreen for a few hours of arts and crafts while they got the chance to shop and dine at Presque Isle area stores and restaurants.

Members of the Class of 2020 helped the children make a variety of Christmas-themed crafts such as tree ornaments, reindeer food and jingle bell sticks.  Other activities included face painting and writing letters to Santa Claus. Shaye Elizabeth Photography also was on hand to take family Christmas photos to help raise money for the class.

The cost for all craft activities was $10 per child and each “Christmas mini” photo shoot cost $30 per family. The students raised $400 to benefit future class activities. That amount currently does not include anything raised from a Christmas gift box raffle that will remain at Wintergreen until Monday, Dec. 4.

Paige McHattten, class secretary, saw the craft day as a great way for her and her classmates to interact with the children.

“There had been other things we thought about doing as a fundraiser, but then we thought what could be better than getting the class involved with something that helps children and the community,” McHatten said. “Wintergreen has been so generous in letting us have this opportunity.”

McHatten’s fellow classmates agreed that the event was a rewarding experience for all of them. Casey Chapman thought that the holidays were a perfect time to get the children involved with arts and crafts and show them what Wintergreen has to offer.

“Art is one of my favorite things to do in my free time, so it was great to come here and see the joy on the children’s faces,” Chapman said. “I think it was a good idea because parents could bring their children and then spend some time Christmas shopping.”

Student Allison Himes also said that her class organized the craft day with parents in mind as well as the children.

“I think an event like this can take some of the stress out of the holiday season,” Himes said. “It’s a great chance for people to get to know what Wintergreen is and walk around to some of the local businesses.”

Wintergreen Executive Director Dottie Hutchins was more than happy to let the high school students use the art center at no cost for the Children’s Christmas Craft Day. She said she was impressed with how involved they were in promoting and preparing for the event. The students also will volunteer during the second weekend of Wintergreen’s annual Polar Express “train” rides on Friday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 16.

“These students really love children and we’re grateful that they decided to hold their fundraiser here and help us with Polar Express,” Hutchins said. “I’m impressed with how they interact with the children. It’s always good to have those age groups together for an event like this.”

Some of the upcoming Wintergreen holiday events include the 10th annual Family Gingerbread Festival on Saturday, Dec. 2, and the first weekend of Polar Express rides starting on Friday, Dec. 8. For more information on all Wintergreen activities, contact the center at (207) 462-1313 or visit online: www.wintergreenarts.org.