Sunday morning, Sears at Northtown Mall gifted Hutton Settlement $2,000 to buy the items needed to begin our woodworking program. 

The children came with lists that became a scavenger hunt-style shopping spree. Houseparent Jason Dietzel recently returned from a taking courses at the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, and was so excited to be given the opportunity to start the shop so soon after learning new skills.

The group left with numerous items, including a table saw, drill, sander, clamps and so much more. The children were sharing their ideas for projects, including one idea for a bookshelf, as the child was pretty convinced she’d be getting more books for Christmas this year.

The woodworking program a part the arts branch of the larger Ecoliteracy program that Hutton is initiating. The Center for Ecoliteracy will focus on sustainability, arts and leadership, where students will learn about their government, agriculture, culinary arts, and more.

The donation from Sears has given Hutton an incredible start to this program and we can’t wait to see what the kids create!

Thanks to the Sears team at Northtown, especially manager Aaron, for selecting Hutton and helping us find our items!