Winter visitor donates quilts to Donna students in need

DONNA — Before they began their holiday vacation, 82 students from Donna’s Singleterry Elementary were given warm, handcrafted quilts.

The donor and craftsperson behind the quilts is Arlene Reardon, an 11th year Winter Texan visitor from northern Wisconsin. Inspired by a newspaper article in January discussing the population of needy children of the Rio Grande Valley, Reardon decided to take action.

“When I got to be in my nice warm house thinking about those children, I started to cry,” she said. “Children should not be cold.”

Reardon can relate, as she has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Tearing up, she said “they’re our future.”

Students recently entered the library in three groups, separating the 82 total. Reardon stood by the Christmas tree with her wagon of quilts, handing them out to each smiling child. Her husband, Jerry Reardon, stood by her side and distributed candy bags.