Responding to the many requests made by Museum patrons, Creative Discovery Museum will unveil the anticipated return of the wintry maze as part of an invigorated cold weather themed exhibit, Winter Wonders. The maze will be open to all who visit the exhibit in the upstairs gallery Saturday, November 20, 2010 through Sunday, January 17, 2011. In conjunction with the seasonal themes, a special area of the Museum will house components from the Helping Hands exhibit for children to explore the concept of giving and how they can make a difference in their community.

From Saturday, November 20, 2010 until Tuesday, January 4, 2011, the Museum will present popular components from the Helping Hands exhibit that has been featured during the winter season for the past two years. For example, kids will be able to learn about the Chattanooga Salvation Army and pretend to be a bell ringer. Children will also have an opportunity to post what philanthropy means to them and how they give back.

Guests will have the opportunity to play the role of donor by selecting a cause from three case statements that they would like to support. At the conclusion of the exhibit, a donation will be made to an organization that locally represents the cause that received the most votes. Both the causes and designated local organization will be selected by teen volunteers at Creative Discovery Museum.

”Creative Discovery Museum has a strong commitment to teaching children about the joy and the breadth of giving,” states Shannon Johnson, Exhibit Development Manager for the Museum. “That’s why during this traditional season of gift-giving, we feel it’s not only appropriate, but important for kids to understand that what they give – whether time, talent or treasure - is really meaningful to others in need.”

According to Ms. Johnson, the Hands on Helping Tables are one of the most popular areas in the exhibit. This year, guests will be able to make two items that will be donated to local non-profits. Possible projects include postcards to be put in food boxes at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, making bookmarks for United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Project Ready for School, and a project to help the environment. There will also be guest Helpers in Residence throughout the winter to work on special projects with kids that will then be donated locally, regionally, or globally.