Tina L. Scott
EDITOR
Preschool-aged children at Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) 4K sites and all those at Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL) will be having great days ahead. That’s because the owners of the Sawmill Brewing Company had the idea for “Oh Cozy Night,” a project to help ensure some of the youngest members of our community get a cozy night’s sleep. One of the organizers, Trisha Kubichek, said, “Better nights lead to better days.”
Jill Seaman, Principal of PRSYL and MAPS 4K Director in Merrill said, “This community has really stepped forward with overwhelming support for the ‘Oh Cozy Night’ campaign, organized by the big-hearted folks at the Sawmill Brewery in Merrill.”
Merrill’s youngest Bluejays will each be receiving a large gift bag this holiday season, provided by the generosity of the Merrill community. Each gift bag contains: a pair of pajamas (donated by Sawmill Brewing Company), a fleece blanket (donated by Project Linus-North Central Chapter), a toothbrushing kit (donated by Ascension, Good Samaritan Hospital), and a beautiful children’s book (donated by PRSYL & Sawmill Brewing Company). Together, these are all part of an ideal bedtime routine that supports healthy learning and more warm family memories for young children.
The children received their bags in the weeks leading up to Christmas. While waiting in the bus line, one of the MAPS 4K students was heard to exclaim, “I got a Christmas present today, and I can’t wait until Christmas to open my surprise!”
Due to the overwhelming community support, the organizers have also been able to donate the gift of cozy pajamas to many older students attending MAPS schools. On behalf of the children, Mrs. Seaman is grateful to the organizers, as well as each and every contributor, for making the “Oh Cozy Night” campaign a huge success.