The Jefferson desk project

Kathrine Alderman
ECB Publishing, Inc.

With the large influx of students working from home due to COVID-19, many kids are having to spread out their work on kitchen tables or the floor to give themselves the space they need to do their schoolwork. Some kids might have desks that they can use, but other kids may not be as lucky and are having to use surfaces that have different purposes, maybe even having to move about the house as those spaces are needed. This could cause students to take longer to finish their work or even demotivate them to where they don't want to do it at all.
The school desk that every student gets when they're in a classroom is a somewhat overlooked but necessary tool for them as they do schoolwork thorughout the day. Now that lots of students have to work from home, they don't get that space unless they already have a desk. Well, Maggie Burgess saw this need, and Zef Fessenden wanted to help.
The two decided to design and make desks to give to children in need in our area, calling it the "Jefferson Desk Project," and they are asking for help. Burgess Designed the desks, and they now have blueprints ready for anyone who knows their way around woodworking and wishes to help. With a single sheet of plywood, you can make two desks that include a shelf underneath, using Burgess' blueprints. So far, the Fessenden's and Burgess have financed everything, but they do ask now that those hoping to build a desk supply their own materials to do so.
If you would like to build a desk but aren't sure how, you can contact Fessenden and they will help you cut the plywood and teach you how to assemble it.
You don't have to use Burgess' blueprints either. If you can and would like to design your own desk and donate it to them to give to children in need, that is just as welcome. They are calling on anyone to help, as well, not just woodworkers. It costs about $30 to make each desk, so if you'd like to donate to the project, you could do that as well. You can even help by simply recommending children in need, particularly those putting a lot of effort into their schoolwork. This project is meant to help and encourage any child to perform better in their studies.
All desks are given away for free to the kids, and they currently have some folding chairs that were donated and will work great with the desks as well. If you have a child or know a child who needs a desk, simply contact them and they will do their best to get the desk to the child in need.
If you would like to help in any way, have any questions or know someone who could use a desk, you can call Zef Fessenden at (850) 997-4280 or Maggie Burgess at (850) 997-0088.