Brrrrr. It’s getting cold outside, and due to COVID-19 many families in the Fauquier community are struggling. Groups like For Immediate Sympathetic Help (FISH) are helping to provide some of these seasonal necessities. “Winter gear is an immediate need as temperatures drop, and providing this extra warmth and protection is so essential for health and well-being,” said Librarian Rebecca Isaac.
The library will be hosting their fourth annual winter gear drive December 1-15. They are looking for new or “like new” winter hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and jackets for FISH. They will accept all sizes for all ages. “Hand knitted or crocheted items are great too. Our math teacher, Mrs. Meyer, has donated hand knitted hats that are cozy and unique,” said Isaac.
All items can be dropped off in the library for hybrid students and teachers. If virtual students have items to drop off there will be a box in the main office. If you can’t donate items, FISH is in-need of volunteers, especially around the holidays.
This drive is a librarian sponsored competition between FHS, LHS and KRHS to see who can collect the most items by the deadline. This project was started by LHS librarian Christine Collins in 2016. “She wanted to work with the local organization Fauquier FISH to assist those in need in our community,” said Isaac.
Last year FHS received and donated 119 items to FISH. Isaac said that the goal for this year is “to collect enough to surpass the other two high schools, which would be around 150 items.” She added that each school advertises the drive in it’s own unique way. At FHS, to draw attention and get more participants, the “library windows to pin items on a clothesline for display that resembles a garland.” said Isaac.
In the past, FHS clubs have also contributed to the drive or it’s preparations. This year, Volunteer Fauquier created the flyers for the drive as well as decorated the windows. Isaac said that she hopes to have the National Honor Society participate like last year, earning one service hour for the three items they donated.
Isaac is appreciative of the students who contribute, in any way they can, to the winter gear drive. She hopes more students will get involved and encourages all clubs to participate, even if just by spreading the word. “It is difficult this year when so many students are virtual and clubs are not getting as much participation. But we hope that many clubs and students will join in and do whatever they can,” said Isaac.