Students building wardrobes for needy

ADAMS — First they built beds for people in need. Now they will build wardrobes.

On Monday some 50 South Jefferson Central School District students started building up to 30 wardrobes, complete with mirrors and bins, to use as drawers and hangers.

"The students are building a real piece of furniture that is going to help someone in the community," said Michael A. Greene, home-school transitions coordinator, who began the program with Randy A. Shelmidine, drawing, design and production teacher.

"They can store their clothes and things in the wardrobe instead of all over the floor," Mr. Greene said.

The students are focusing on learning the skills to construct large pieces of furniture. Having a major role in helping out people less fortunate is a bonus.

"It makes me feel like I'm doing something good for the community," said sophomore Nicholas T. Kerber, Adams Center.

Sophomore Cody L. Lockerbie, Adams, said, "I'm hoping for success. I just want to make sure everything is perfect, that all the measurements are fine."

Mr. Shelmidine said the construction plan allows students to build a sturdy yet simple wardrobe.

"Even though they may not say much, you can see the pride that they have by helping out others," Mr. Shelmidine said.

South Jefferson donated beds to the Watertown Urban Mission last year and will donate five wardrobes. Mary M. Morgan, Urban Mission director, said one mother was overwhelmed when her son, who was sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, received a bed.

"Mr. Greene is very good at seeing what is needed and getting it done," she said. "Wardrobes are in high demand because stuff is just usually in boxes."

Mr. Shelmidine said all the wardrobes should be completed by mid-February.

The materials are being purchased through a $2,980 grant from the New York State United Teachers solidarity fund.

"NYSUT as an organization is very proud of what the South Jeff teachers have done with the program," said Woody J. Lyndaker, NYSUT labor relations specialist. "We don't think there's anything better than what these folks have done."