OXFORD – The Oxford Middle School is giving back to its community by building beds for the homeless using plastic bags in what the project organizers consider a big win-win.

The Oxford Middle School Student Government met on Thursday, lead by teachers Katie Palmatier and Rebecca Rosas, and began a project to eliminate plastic waste build-up and create beds for individuals in need.

The teachers have approximately 20 years of experience between them with Palmatier at seven years, and Rosas with 13 years.

Both teachers are advisors to the Oxford Middle School Student Governments. Rosas said Bonnie Emerson, was the person who brought the plastic bed concept to their attention after she reached out to the school and asked if they’d be interested in helping the community.

According to Palmatier, the idea originally stemmed from Bonnie’s aunt, Ethel, a woman who has been using plastic bags to create beds, and has donated the plastic beds to shelters for several years.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to make a difference by reducing plastic buildup and helping people in need,” said Palmatier. “Ethel made a video demonstrating the steps for students to learn how to make the beds, and we’ve just started to process of cutting the bags into plastic strips.”