Some say a focus on service is the way to lead a fulfilling life. According to an article from Grand Junction Free Press, four middle school girls in Palisade, Colorado, are living by that creed by working on a woodwork project for a family in need. The four girls got the idea to create a playhouse, worked to get the project off the ground, and are putting in overtime to get it completed.
Andrea Lopez, Tahverle Hodges, Lacy Townsend, and Joslyn Orellana are graduating eighth graders at a middle school in Palisade, Colorado, who took a Tech Ed enrichment class together this year. Near the end of the year, they had the idea to build a playhouse as their woodworking project when they saw a large piece of plywood leaning against a wall in their school’s shop. It was supposed to be an easy woodworking project, such as a coat rack or coin box, so their teacher, Kevin Elisha, first discouraged them. However, they were persistent and determined to do the playhouse for an underprivileged woman in town who is raising her grandchildren.
Because it is not a cheap project, the girls had to find funding. There was not enough for it in the school budget. They made many calls to building suppliers for donations but were rejected by everyone until 84 Lumber agreed to supply them.
After getting the supplies, they had to learn everything about woodworking and construction to get it done, such as working with plans, power tools, safety, etc. They had no previous experience. They thought it would be much easier when they began, but did not complain when they found the work more involved than they had previously thought.
They put in extra hours to complete the project. It is still under construction, but will be completed and installed at the house by the end of the summer. The girls have put in time during lunch breaks, before and after school hours, and during teacher in-service days to work on the project. They are now committed to coming in during the summer and finishing the project with the help of their teacher, Elisha.
These four girls initiated and are completing an altruistic woodwork project. In the process, they have learned not only about woodworking but also about the reward in helping others.
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