West Muskingum Middle School Makes a Difference

ZANESVILLE, OH – West Muskingum Middle School is making a heartwarming difference.

WMMS student, Grace Sidwell, came up with the idea to host a winter clothing drive at her school to support those impacted by recent hurricanes. The drive began on October 22nd and will run until October 28th. Students are encouraged to bring in winter essentials like coats, hats, gloves, and sweatshirts.

“I asked my student counselor Mrs. Tuttle, if we could do anything at the school like this. We first had the idea to do a canned food, but they’re doing that in November. We decided that we would do a winter clothing drive instead. It’s exciting. I’ve always wanted to be able to do something to help out,” Sidwell said.

The student-led drive is a meaningful way to bring warmth to families devastated by the hurricanes. The homeroom that collects the most donations will win a pizza party, courtesy of the Winerak.

“From my viewpoint, being head of student council for two years now and trying to promote our kids here at west to help others whether that’s your peers in the classroom, at home, extracurriculars, or even states a way. Just knowing that our kids are taking initiative to do this means a lot to us here at West. It’s really, really their idea. The students are the ones that put this together and we’re just guiding them to help others,” WMMS Teacher/Student Council Cole Smith said.

“I’m so proud of my granddaughter (Grace Sidwell) but also all the students here at West Muskingum Middle School that they came up with this idea, they’re giving back, and they’re learning how to be involved with student council and their different clubs here at the school,” Mike Alfman, Owner of the Winerak said.

The Winerak is also hosting a “Fill-a-Truck” event form 9 AM to 2 PM, where community members can drop off winter clothes. The Winerak is located at 2336 Maple Avenue in Zanesville.