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This December, the members of Katina’s Klassroom, a children’s nonprofit, decided to decorate the tree with cold weather accessories for Simpson County School District Elementary students.
Hats, scarves, and mittens were delivered to students at Magee, Mendenhall, and Simpson Central elementary schools before they headed out for winter break.
Katina’s Klassroom founder, Katina Rankin, said “Not every student is prepared for winter. So along with our usual giveaway of books during the holidays, we thought keeping little heads, necks, and hands covered would be a warm gift for students to snuggle up and read during the holiday break. In addition, the items can be used for outside play during the break and recess once school resumes.”
“Children’s accessories allow kids to play safely. How many times has your mom told you to hold on at the door and wrapped a scarf around you or made sure your cap was snug on your head? It’s a show of love to wrap your lil one up as they go out in the cold,” said Katina’s Klassroom Board Member McKennley Wilson.
“How would a mother feel then if she had to choose between buying that scarf or protecting their hands with mittens? Is it right that some parents are left without a choice and can only give them the barest of necessities? It’s a blessing to be able to help protect a child and ease a parent’s heart,” Wilson continued.
Simpson County Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations Dr. Furlinda Travis said, “For many of our students, having warm clothing means arriving at school ready to learn, play, and participate without the distraction of being cold.”
Layers are essential for students to safely be outside for any period, whether it is walking to school, playing outside at recess or just walking to and from the car or bus at arrival and dismissal. And, as the motto of the nonprofit goes, ‘With books you can go places, #read’.
“The books Katina’s Klassroom provided will ignite imaginations, strengthen reading skills, and create lasting memories of discovering new stories. On behalf of the Simpson County School District, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation of hats, gloves, scarves, and books for our elementary students this holiday season. These thoughtful gifts go far beyond meeting practical needs—they provide warmth, comfort, and joy during the winter months,” said Dr. Furlinda Travis.
“Your kindness reminds our students that they are supported and valued by a caring community. It inspires hope and reinforces the importance of generosity and compassion. We would like to thank Katina’s Klassroom for making this holiday season brighter and warmer for our students. We deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and the positive impact you’ve made in their lives,” Dr. Travis continued.
