Westonka District 'Stuffs the Bus' for Community Food Shelf
Westonka District 'Stuffs the Bus' for Community Food Shelf
Shirley Hills students and staff dressed in food themes to "Stuff the Bus" for the Westonka Community Food Shelf.
Despite the drizzly and foggy weather on March 6, students around the Westonka School District eagerly headed outside with hundreds of food items they collected for the Westonka Community Food Shelf at the annual “Stuff the Bus” event. A school bus stopped at each school, where students stuffed the bus with food and cash donations collected during the March FoodShare Drive.
Westonka High School Student Senate saw another successful year of fundraising, collecting over $2,500 in cash donations. WHS ran a week-long drive, collecting cash and checks before and after school at a curbside collection, during all lunches in school and through online donations. During lunch, students and staff could donate their money in return for raffle tickets, which were turned in for a chance at great prizes, generously donated by local community members.
“We raised over $2,500 despite a lot of people being absent from our school for DECA and field trips,” said sophomore Sadie Mulder, co-chair of the drive. “We still had a lot of donations, and it ended up being very successful!”
“We felt that a larger number of students donated this year than in the past, especially from our eighth graders,” added junior co-chair Ava Wittine. “Way to show up White Hawks!”
Westonka Middle School students collected 2,634 items for the food shelf. The morning meeting classes of Brenda Hoogeveen, Bailey Duda, and Megan Lhotka won donut parties from the student council for being the grade level leaders in collections. Hoogeveen’s fifth grade class led the way with 493 items collected. Advisor Libby Ackerson said, “We greatly appreciate the support of our community!”
Hilltop Primary School's student council collected 2,986 canned and boxed food items for the food shelf. “Our Stuff the Bus campaign was a big success,” said Principal Mike Moch. “Thanks to everyone for their generosity!”
At Shirley Hills Primary School, students, staff and families collected a whopping 5,771 items and cash donations. Fourth graders created flyers to generate interest in the drive. Each classroom tracked their donations, which were announced daily. Deb Loomis’ second grade class won a pizza party for collecting 1,016 items. Jenny Naslund’s fourth grade class came in second, collecting 596 items. Students and staff were also invited to dress in a food theme on the pickup day.
“We like to connect our students to ways they can make a difference within their community,” said Principal Scott Eidsness. “This is a great way for students to directly help others in our community.”
The Westonka Food Shelf is in the Grace Family Center adjacent to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mound. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the food shelf at (952) 472-5599.