You can help by dropping off your used DVDs by Friday, Dec. 5
Two schools in Coalhurst are joining forces for a DVD drive to benefit the pediatrics unit at Chinook Regional Hospital.
Chris McIntyre, principal of Coalhurst High School, was at the hospital recently to visit one of his students. The teenager had little to help him pass the time and the half dozen DVDs he borrowed from the hospital collection were too scratched to play properly.
“We tried cleaning them and they just wouldn’t play,” McIntyre says.
Spotting both a need and a great learning opportunity for his daughters, Asia and Samia, the family sprang into action.
“My daughters were going through their toys before Christmas so they started to go through their DVDs as well,” McIntyre said. “The girls said ‘Give them to the hospital, and maybe other people have DVDs they could give, too.’
“It’s a good service learning project for my kids. . . Any number of DVDs is better than what they had.”
For his daughters, who are in Grade 2 and 3 at Coalhurst Elementary School, the DVD drive has already provided opportunities for personal growth. Asia and Samia were called up to speak about the donation drive at a recent school assembly, and they’re contemplating visiting the high school to make their pitch to each of the Grade 7 through 12 classes.
Donations of new or used DVDs in working condition can be made at Coalhurst High School, Coalhurst Elementary School or Palliser Regional Schools’ Central Office at 3305 18 Ave. N., Lethbridge, by Friday, Dec. 5. DVDs should be rated G or PG and be appropriate for young viewers.
McIntyre said if the campaign garners an abundance of donations, goods will be shared with other health centres across the South Zone.
In addition to movies, especially shows suited to upper elementary and teenaged children, donations of Wii U or Xbox games or consoles are welcome, along with any materials for activities kids can do in bed, such as arts and crafts, colouring, activity or reading books, and board or card games. Toys will also be accepted but they must be new, safe and non-aggressive such as small Lego kits, baby toys, diecast cars or action figures.
Child-friendly Band-Aids would also be welcomed.