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FARMINGTON – A special Main Street crossing this morning had drivers in a line of stopped traffic smiling.
They were smiling at the sight of three- and four-year-olds pulling little wagons loaded with warm donated coats, snowsuits, mittens, boots and hats.
The crew of about 35 children and several adults crossed from their classrooms at the University of Maine at Farmington’s childcare and education programs at Ricker Addition to the Old South Church to make the special delivery.
For years, the Old South Church members have organized the Coat Closet program which collects and deliver used winter clothing to those in need. The preschool and school-age children in UMF’s programs have been a boost to the Coat Closet’s needs for three years now.
For the past month, the children have been collecting their out-grown but usable winter clothing to share with other children in the community.
“Children from our half-day preschool, full-time child care and school-age care are experiencing first-hand what it means to share with others in our community. It is never too early to help children understand that reusing items is an important part of being a good citizen in today’s world,” said Dr. Beth Hatcher, UMF Early Childhood Faculty member and campus liaison to the children’s programs.
