Barrington fourth grader gathers donations at school for Willand Warming Center

posted on 1/3/2023

Benjamin Deely, a fourth-grader at Barrington Elementary School, recently delivered several boxes of donated goods to the Willand Warming Center, the result of a donation drive at his school.

According to Ben, the idea came to him over Thanksgiving dinner. He said his mom, Laura, asked everyone around the table, if they could only receive one gift this holiday season, what would it be?

"My grandma went first," Ben said. "She said she wanted donations for the warming shelter." Ben's grandmother, Wendy Whittle, is a volunteer at the Willand Warming Center.

Ben said he raced upstairs, grabbed a $5 bill from his wallet and set it down on the table. When he returned to school after the Thanksgiving holiday, he said he asked to speak to Barrington Elementary School Principal Rich Boardman about starting a donation drive at the school.

According to Ben's mother, Laura Deely, Boardman is a strong proponent of empowering and engaging students, and quickly supported the idea. Boardman and Ben met several times to coordinate the project, which aimed to collect socks, hand warmers, hot chocolate packets and paper goods. Ben’s friends helped decorate boxes that were displayed in the school lobby. It didn't take long for the boxes to fill up.

Ben and his family, including his grandmother, delivered the donations to the warming center on Friday, Dec. 23.

“We really appreciate Ben’s donations," said Tory Jennison, Population Health Systems Chief for Strafford County. "His project showed his school community how one person can have a huge impact on the comfort and safety of others."

Jennison added that community support for the most vulnerable comes in many forms, including food and basic necessities.

"Ben’s help is part of a wonderful family effort; we’re grateful for the friendly kindness his grandmother Wendy brings every time she volunteers," Jennison said. "This donation drive was a great example of the power that each one of us has to make a positive difference. We thank Ben and his family for their giving spirit in support of our vulnerable folks this holiday season."

The Warming Center of Strafford County is located at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth, and operates as needed through winter. Strafford County, through a partnership with the cities of Dover, Somersworth and Rochester, has contracted with SOS Community Recovery Organization to operate the warming center this season.

People who need help getting to the Warming Center can always call 603-742-2709 between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. for assistance when the center is activated.

The Warming Center continues to seek volunteers and meal donations. Volunteers can sign up at https://signup.com/go/XvTNnpp. Those able to provide meals can sign up at https://signup.com/go/xaWRjPB.

For more information, contact the Warming Center at 603-742-2709, 603-969-1305 or via direct message to the Warming Center of Strafford County Facebook page www.facebook.com/warmingcenterofsc.