Over the course of three weeks, Redmond’s Montessori Children’s House (MCH), an American Montessori Society accredited school, collected basic needs supplies for Hopelink, a non-profit that serves families on the Eastside.

All MCH students and families participated in the collection drive. Elementary students kept track of donations using hundred-square based tally sheets. Students publicized the drive, organized the collection center, sorted donations, packed boxes, labeled the boxes, loaded the rental truck (donated by Guardwell Storage) and unloaded it at Hopelink’s largest warehouse in Kirkland on Dec. 13.

“With student-led teams and multiple opportunities to work, we noticed a beautiful trend,” said Elementary Program director and lead teacher, Nicole Champoux. “Students who struggle academically emerged as the most effective and reliable team members; they were some of our most eager and consistent volunteers. They approached the work with cheerful confidence that inspired others to work harder. They experienced a sense of belonging and purpose that sometimes seems a little bit too elusive for them during regular classroom time.”

MCH students worked in diverse teams, practicing how to communicate, how to take natural leadership roles and how to follow someone else’s lead. They were always willing and cheerful and eager to work hard.

• Here is a final count of items collected and delivered to Hopelink:

60 hats

17 pairs of gloves

35 scarves

• Baby supplies:

1,680 diapers

5,914 wipes

11 ounces of formula

Two containers of baby powder

40 ounces of baby body wash

• Hygiene and personal care items:

899 fluid ounces of shampoo and conditioner

154 fluid ounces of liquid hand soap

225 bars of soap

80 ounces of shaving cream

365 fluid ounces of body wash

530 yards of dental floss

250 ounces of toothpaste

74 toothbrushes

1,225 Q-tips

83 deodorants

95 tampons

194 pads

184 razors

43 hairbrushes

114 bandages

• Household items:

2,132 fluid ounces of dish soap

779 fluid ounces of laundry detergent

4,197 tissues

1,283 plastic zip-top bags of various sizes

250 fabric softener dryer sheets

221 rolls of paper towels

318 rolls of toilet paper

46 ounces of scrub cleaner

128 ounces of bleach

120 ounces of cleaning spray

580 feet of aluminum foil

Montessori Children’s House students and their families held a collection drive at the Redmond school over the last three weeks. Courtesy of Montessori Children’s House