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 home 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 recently completed their first 8 desks and delivered four to two different local elementary schools for distribution to kids in need - Jamesville Elementary and H.W. Smith Elementary. Each desk includes an engraved plaque identifying the club's participation.
Donations from two local Lowe's stores - Clay and Syracuse - will allow the team to build 16 more desks. Production is already underway with the expectation that these desks will be delivered to schools by the end of February. Another donation of 13 radiation boards from a closed medical practice is also helping with the ability of the team to build 26 more desks.
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