It started with the book, then it became a choice, then a community project, an art lesson and lastly — this spring — it will become a way to help the hungry.
Schoharie Elementary 5th graders read Patricia Polacio’s novel “Wonder” in class this fall, learning about the power of kindness and how everyone can make a difference by “choosing kind.”
Expanding upon the theme, the students truly “chose kind” by painting bowls in Jean Scofield’s art classes for the Empty Bowls fundraiser for Schoharie County food pantries.
The student-painted bowls will be offered for sale at an April 8, 2018 event at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. Those purchasing a bowl can then fill it with soup donated by local restaurants.
“The students not only learned how to work with a new medium, but they also had the chance to donate their time and talents to this most worthy cause,” said 5th grade teacher Mary Bates. “They are great examples of what ‘choosing kindness’ can do in our community.”
The Empty Bowls fundraiser is organized by Jacqui Hauser at the Studio for Art and Craft, where bowls may be purchased for painting. Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church on Main Street in Schoharie covered the cost of the bowls that were painted by Schoharie’s students.
Last year the church sponsored bowls for Mary Bates’ class, and this year they expanded their donation to include classes taught by Marjorie Adriance, Anne Donzelli, Kim Hileman and Bridget Krepcio.