Eighth-grader Anna Auger to lead Project 351 clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons

The Agawam School Committee on March 3 heard from eighth-grader Anna Auger, Agawam Junior High’s Project 351 representative, who described a student-led clothing drive that will collect items for Cradles to Crayons.

"Basically, I'm gonna be hosting a clothing drive for the school in from February 12 to February 26," Auger told the committee. She said launch-day volunteer work included making hygiene baskets and distributing food and blankets, and that donated clothing will be sent to Cradles to Crayons in Boston.

Principal Robbins and teacher-sponsor Lehi ("Miss Wolf") introduced Auger and praised her leadership. Miss Wolf said Auger joined the Conservation Club, reliably showed up for projects such as raising trout and fundraising for the club, and "she's really self driven." Principal Robbins said the student was a "quiet leader" who speaks with "powerful tones."

Auger said planned host collection sites include Granger (the junior high) and a local dance studio run by a friend; she also said a small team of peers and a high-school student named Maddie will help run the drive. When asked which ages the drive will serve, Auger said it will serve newborns through age 18.

Committee members and the student representative offered congratulations and asked practical questions. Miss McDougall asked Auger to explain Cradles to Crayons; Auger described it as "a nonprofit organized organization that basically they collect, clothing and other necessities for children that, aren't as fortunate." Committee members asked where donors should bring items and were told Granger Junior High and a dance studio will accept donations; Auger said volunteers will sort donations before shipping to Boston.

Committee members encouraged Auger to share updates and offered to help publicize the drive.