BREWER, Maine — Handmade paper snowflakes from around the country are what elementary students in Newtown, Conn., will see when they return to school in January, thanks to Mainers and others across the country who are making the paper cutouts.
Sandy Hook Elementary remains closed after last week’s tragedy, and students who survived the shooting will be sent to a new school after the holiday break.
“Please help the students of Sandy Hook have a winter wonderland at their new school!” the Connecticut Parent Teacher Student Association said in a statement about the snowflakes.
A paper snowflake workshop is now planned at the Brewer Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, said director Donna Rasche. She heard Gardiner Public Library was holding a snowflake-making session from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday and decided to follow suit.
“There [are] libraries and different schools and communities who are sending in snowflakes to support the kids, who have to go to a new school,” Rasche said Wednesday. “Imagine them walking into the school and seeing the snowflakes.”
The Brewer Public Library is located at 100 South Main St.
The event is open to all, and participants are asked to bring their own scissors.
“I’ll send them all off to Newtown,” Rasche said. “If people just want to drop them off, that’s OK, too.”
Snowflakes can also be sent directly to Connecticut by mailing them to Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden CT 06514.
Those interested in sending snowflakes should do so by Jan. 12.