The UCAN City Mission was blessed by children and teachers of the community at the end of July this year. Through the week of July 22-25 children and teachers gathered at the JCC campus for 4 days of day camp. We were blessed by the fruit of that camp. Here are their words from the “Craft it Forward” class.

Kids’ College Class Gives Back to the Community

Kids’ College, an annual summer educational experience offered for children ages 8 to 12 by Jamestown Community College, inspired participants to help several local community organizations in one of 24 sessions offered during this program.

In “Craft It Forward”, the kids devoted their time to making specialty items to donate to four local organizations: Lutheran, senior living facility; New Leash On life (NLOL), animal rescue and sanctuary; St. Susan Center, soup kitchen; and UCAN City Mission. Items made included: non-slip socks and cards for Lutheran residents; dog, cat and bird toys for NLOL; artwork and laminated placemats for St. Susan Center; and no-sew blankets for UCAN City Mission.

“This class was an amazing opportunity for our youth to give back to our community,” commented Carrie Southard, Kids’ College instructor, “the kids absolutely loved making items for our local organizations. They put much effort into each piece so there was a lot of pride when we presented the items to the recipients on the last day of class.”

Each representative shared with the kids their organization’s mission, as well as thanked them for their contributions, creativity, and generosity. Students received sunglasses from Lutheran and, as a special treat; NLOL brought a rabbit, a tortoise, a black lab puppy, and a French bulldog to meet the children.

Caption: Pictured are students from JCC’s Kids’ College, “Craft it Forward” class after presenting their donated items along with community organization representatives from Lutheran, New Leash On Life, St. Susan Center, and UCAN City Mission.