One of the missions of the Woodworkers of Central New York is to contribute to the community in which we live. The Covid pandemic caused schools to close and/or offer only limited in-school class experiences. For many children, they are learning from home. And, in many cases, their homes don't contain a dedicated workspace where the kids can connect to the online classes or do their schoolwork.
A member approached the Board in January 2021 to request that a project be initiated to build and donate portable desks to area grade school kids using plans developed by a Technology teacher at Baker High School of the Baldwinsville School District. The Board approved the project and provided an initial budget allocation with hopes that future costs would be handled by donations from local businesses.
The team completed and delivered 24 desks to two different local elementary schools for distribution to kids in need - Jamesville Elementary (4) and H.W. Smith Elementary (20). Each desk includes an engraved plaque identifying the club's participation. A donation of 13 radiation boards from a closed medical practice was the starting point for 26 more desks, 13 of which were delivered to H.W. Smith. Of the 13 remaining desks, 10 were delivered to McKinley-Brighton Elementary School for distribution to the kids and three went to private homes. Wood that was recovered from a local organization "cleaning house" will produce 6 more desks that will be build and distributed.
The team received a variety of other donations - both product and cash. Two non-members who heard about the club effort donated $135. Two of the local Lowe's stores - Clay and Syracuse - donated wood for 16 desks. The Clay store also provided, at cost, a significant quantity of wood and hinges for the 26 desks in process. McFeely's generously donated 500 pocket hole screws and a Kreg jig to be used for assembly of the 26 desks (and then some as needed).
Seven club members and a couple of their neighbors are working on the project among the restrictions associated with Covid. Many thanks to all.
Donation of Radiation Boards:
Radiation boards donated from a closed medical practice
How the radiation boards are being cut to use in the desk building project.
Desk made with parts from radiation board combined with other lumber
Support posts (94) and other components plus the painted tops for the 26 desks under construction using the donated radiation boards.