Day of service turning bags into beds
Mountain High students recently spent a day of service repurposing plastic bags into crocheted works of art.
Hundreds of plastics bags were turned into “plarn” (plastic yarn) used to crochet sleeping mats. The creations were then given to Bags to Beds, a non-profit organization founded to create bedding for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Salt Lake area.
“This is a great way to get members of the community involved and reduce plastic waste to help out the homeless population,” said Bags to Beds Board Member Emily Voll. “The mats act like a thermal camping pad, keeping body heat closer to the individual instead of transferring to the elements.”
Mountain High selects a service opportunity each year, but finding a viable option during the COVID-19 pandemic was tricky.
"This year we wanted to do something that involved the community, but it was hard because of where we are right now,” said Mountain High Teacher Natalie Stromberg, who helped organize the event.
Collecting bags and turning them into beds seemed like the best choice, especially since her senior seminar students were able to help teach the process to the rest of the student body.
“These kids may not get the opportunity to volunteer, or may not know how to, so this is just a way of letting them have that opportunity,” Stromberg said. “One thing I really want our kids to have is to see the world, but the way you see the world is to serve and empower kids. Then they will go out and do things for themselves, but also help other people.”
For one student, the experience was more than just a service opportunity. “It was a huge morale boost to work together as a school,” said Jackson, a senior at Mountain High.
Another student said the project was beneficial in several ways. “I learned how to crochet and I was able to help the homeless population with making mats,” said Mountain High Senior Donovan. “It made me feel good.”