A donation built to last

When teachers at Cloquet's Washington Elementary School put out a plea for some picnic tables, it didn't take long for one family to step up.

"This post struck a chord in us because we are friends with many of the teachers and have personal ties to the school since our daughters attended Washington," Christina Rock said.

ButJeff and Christina Rock didn't just donate some spare picnic tables. The entire Rock family worked together to create two special tables for the school, built to last and made for teachers.

Jeff was the brawn behind the table design and assembly, Christina said, adding that she did the finer work and art. The girls, Emerson and Rowan, fit in wherever they could help. Across the top, they stenciled "Teach Love Inspire" with integrated artwork.

To give the tables longevity, Jeff learned a technique to burn the table legs, "which not only gave them a rich, contrasting color, but also acts as waterproofing and bug proofing," Christina said. She added three coats of polyurethane stain to help the wood hold up to winter weather.

The tables were placed outside the employee lounge so staff can eat outside. In addition to enjoying fine fall days, being outside while they eat will also help protect staff members from catching Covid-19, which can be spread through indoor air more easily than outdoors.

Washington teacher Heather Johnson said the tables are beautiful and greatly appreciated by the staff.

"They're the color of pencils," Johnson said.