Students from Transitional School Donate Hats, Mittens for Kids in Need

A bright group of students transitioning from school life to adulthood made an important donation to The Salvation Army on Nov. 24: a pile of mittens for children in need.   

Students from the Next Step Transitional Program in North St. Paul gave 76 pairs of mittens as part of a clothing drive to warm the tiny hands of kids from low-income families.

In addition to mittens, the students also gave 10 hats, 2 scarves and two coats. They bought the items and gathered others from friends and family.

“I like helping other people,” said student Michelle Novotne, 20, who was so inspired that she inquired about volunteering at one of The Salvation Army’s many Twin Cities metro area feeding programs.

“Michelle is a great cook,” affirmed teacher Katie Weinberg, who helped organize the mitten drive and leads the students in other community service projects.

This was the second year that the students held the mitten drive.

“The Salvation Army is so thankful for the efforts of these fine students,” said Major Darryl Leedom, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “Their generosity will warm the hands and hearts of many children in the Twin Cities.”