McLean’s library is currently working on two volunteer projects as part of their Highlanders Give Back program. These projects are funded by the PTSA and are aimed at providing students with an opportunity to develop their life skills.

The first project is an informative session that teaches students how to crochet. On Thursdays after school, students can stop by the library and gain service hours by crocheting what is called a “stress pet”.

“The students are making stress pets that will be adoptable in the Student Services office to help with anxiety and mental health.” head librarian Lisa Koch said.

These stress pets will be available for distribution during testing season in April and May. The goal is to alleviate some of the stress that students experience during testing season.

Aside from creating stress pets, the Highlanders Give Back program also offers an option to assist pets in need by creating dog toys from fabric scraps. All toys will be given to a local animal shelter.

“Mrs. Koch and her daughter first started making these toys at home last Christmas,” librarian Morgan Popma said. “The dogs love them because they're really remarkably durable.”

Students can work on these projects while also earning service hours in the process. The library community hopes to provide a enjoyable experience for volunteers that will allow them to contribute to the community.

“We hope that these [the dog toys] will benefit the Fairfax pet community,” Koch said. “The stress pets will also really help students at McLean.”