Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal John Willis would like to share that a local group, Seaside Parish Knitters, has donated hand-made hats and mittens to be used by Manchester Memorial Elementary School students.
The Seaside Parish Knitters are a group of townsfolk who meet weekly at the town library to knit hats and mittens for local children and families. They donate their hand-made winter gear to groups such as Beverly Bootstraps and local elementary schools. They also create blankets, shawls, helmet liners, neck gaiters, and scarves for military troops.
MMES was able to connect with the group thanks to Nurse Joanne Seaman, who reached out to former MMES educator and member of Seaside Parish Knitters, Cindy MacDougall. Seaside Parish Knitters donated a basket full of warm, hand-made hats and mittens to students on January 8, 2024.
“I am forever grateful for this wonderful group of ladies,” said Seaman.
“In light of the recent drop in temperatures and winter weather, the new winter items could not have come at a better time. Taking care of our students, whatever they may need, has been a big part of Mrs. Seaman’s career at MMES. She was delighted to be able to pass the hats and mittens on to our students and was even happier to know that they were made with love by members of our own community,” said Principal Willis. “It is so great to see retired staff members, such as Mrs. MacDougall, still taking care of our students and making sure they are warm.”
The Seaside Parish Knitters are looking for knitting needles and yarn that residents plan to throw away. The group uses 100 percent wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and round knitting needles of all sizes. Anyone who would like to donate materials to the Seaside Parish Knitters can contact Penny Lapham at 978-526-7128 or laphenpen@live.com.
Nurse Joanne Seaman with the hand-made hats and mittens that were donated to MMES students by local group Seaside Parish Knitters. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)
