MURFREESBORO – A project that began with a simple intent blossomed into much more.

Chowan University senior Shauna Anderson, a student teacher in Tonia Chlomoudis’ Kindergarten class at Riverview Elementary School, was required to compose and implement a comprehensive unit lesson plan upon completion of the strenuous student teaching experience.

The theme of her integrated unit was inspiring the children to understand the difference between wants and needs.

Encouraged by an award winning book, A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams, Anderson’s aim and main objective was to reassure her students that even though that some may live in an area of low socioeconomic status where material things exist only in their dreams, that even giving the smallest amount can make a huge difference.

“I worked along with my 23 kindergarten students to begin raising money with an in class penny collection,” Anderson said. “The students raised $20 in two weeks. To help achieve our class goal, I launched a www.gofundme.com campaign and made $775 in six days. The intention was to raise enough money for each child to make a fleece blanket and provide it to one elderly individual at a local nursing home.”

Anderson said once the class met their goal, several volunteers from Chowan University, student athletes and Greek life members, helped her students to begin assembling the blankets throughout the week. The Chowan University Graphics Communications department graciously donated simple packing for the blankets for the students.

“Our class made a trip to deliver the handmade fleece tie blankets. Each one of my students donated a blanket they made. The students also preformed the song, All You Really Need by Raffi Cavoukian to the residents of Azalea Gardens,” Anderson said.

She added that Melissa Whitehead, the instructional assistant in Chlomoudis’ class, was also helpful in completing the project.

The River Barkers also accompanied the kindergarten class to give residents a chance to engage with the therapeutic dogs. The River Barkers are certified therapeutic dogs that assist the students of Riverview Elementary school monthly with reading. Sue Hunter is the founder of the River Barkers.