Contemplating donating a few hours a week of shop work to a local school.

[Reuben Contineli]

As title indicates, I am contemplating donating an hour or two of production time on a weekly basis to a local school. My shop revolves around a CNC router and soon, a laser engraver.

I am thinking items can be made for art class, like profiles of animals kids can paint. However, that's pretty much all I can think of. Does anyone have a few ideas for practical items that can be made to be used in the local schools? Would such an offer be even acceptable in our red tape world?

[Steve Griffin]

Great Idea! You get the enjoyment of making something, and giving something too.

Just sitting here typing, here's some other ideas:

-Check with administration about need for display frames--announcements/accomplishments etc which need frames and maybe plexiglass fronts.

-Signs

-Awards with your laser engraver

-shelves/storage, hanging hooks etc.

If your school is cold to your offers, don't forget about other organizations. How cool would it be to have boy scouts come and learn about CNC/Laser stuff and get their pinewood derby car engraved or something....

good luck!

[Stephen Cherry]

How about letting kids design things for themselves. You would get a line drawing or cad file, then cut it out on your router. (I don't know how doable this is, it's just a concept).

or bird houses to be set up for spring. I'm making a bunch of those with my CR Onsrud pin router.