2008 Woodie Awards
Librarian organizes new Webster Works project
By: Leah Merriman
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Lifestyle
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The Project gives the scarves in care packages to young people who are leaving the foster care system and going to college. OFA expected about 3,000 scarves last year and received more than 15,000. Because the amount was so overwhelming, they had nowhere to store all the scarves. The OFA will again collect scarves this year, but the organization has instituted some restrictions. Scarves can only be donated to the project between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15, and each group can only contribute up to five scarves, according to OFA's Web site.
"I'm trying to get the word out to students in advance this year," Hubenschmidt said. "We're hoping for a lot more participants, and the restrictions just made it harder for us to participate in OFA's Red Scarf Project. So this year, we're just going to donate to a different organization."
Hubenschmidt is working in collaboration with the Webster professor and program coordinator for St. Peter and Paul, Anna Barbara Sakurai, who helps organize the special dinner every year. It includes music, gifts and pictures with Santa. Usually, they give away McDonald's gift certificates.
"Most of the people who come to these dinners live at the shelter," Sakurai said. "But they can't get in before 6 p.m., so they're out on the street in the cold all day. These will be wonderful for them."
Last year, Hubenschmidt received 20 scarves for the project.
"That just won't be enough this year; we have about 180 people who come to our dinners," Sakurai said. "If we don't get enough, we'll probably have to go out and buy hats and scarves. But I think handmade items are really nice and probably warmer."
Hubenschmidt said she understands that it takes time to complete a piece, especially for students or staff with a busy schedule. The Sisters of Loretto are expected to make contributions as well.
A box will be available in the library to collect items for the Webster Warms program from the beginning of October through Dec. 1. All donations should be unisex in style and color.
"I'm trying to get the word out to students in advance this year," Hubenschmidt said. "We're hoping for a lot more participants, and the restrictions just made it harder for us to participate in OFA's Red Scarf Project. So this year, we're just going to donate to a different organization."
Hubenschmidt is working in collaboration with the Webster professor and program coordinator for St. Peter and Paul, Anna Barbara Sakurai, who helps organize the special dinner every year. It includes music, gifts and pictures with Santa. Usually, they give away McDonald's gift certificates.
"Most of the people who come to these dinners live at the shelter," Sakurai said. "But they can't get in before 6 p.m., so they're out on the street in the cold all day. These will be wonderful for them."
Last year, Hubenschmidt received 20 scarves for the project.
"That just won't be enough this year; we have about 180 people who come to our dinners," Sakurai said. "If we don't get enough, we'll probably have to go out and buy hats and scarves. But I think handmade items are really nice and probably warmer."
Hubenschmidt said she understands that it takes time to complete a piece, especially for students or staff with a busy schedule. The Sisters of Loretto are expected to make contributions as well.
A box will be available in the library to collect items for the Webster Warms program from the beginning of October through Dec. 1. All donations should be unisex in style and color.
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