St. Ferdinand Catholic Church in Cranberry is taking part in a national project to create a winter wonderland for students returning to Sandy Hook Elementary—and so can you.

The National PTA is organizing a snowflake collection for the students in Newtown, Conn.

“When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building,” a statement from the National PTA said. “Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike.”

Locally, St. Ferdinand’s Adult Faith Formation department will sponsor a nondenominational gathering Wednesday, Jan. 9 at the church’s social hall to make snowflakes.

Everyone is welcome at the event. Participants are asked to stop by the church between 5 and 8 p.m. to create a snowflake or to drop off snowflakes made at home.

The event will focus on making snowflakes only—and not to try to explain the tragic shooting, which left 26 students and teachers dead, to participants, church officials said.

Highmark Caring Place's Caring Team for Grieving Children, however, will be on hand at the event if anyone optionally decides to visit the representatives.

Supplies will be provided to create snowflakes at the church, but donations of paper, glitter or other decorating items also are welcome.

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