Westonka Families Support WeCAN in Holiday Drives
Westonka Families Support WeCAN in Holiday Drives
Westonka Middle School students and staff, along with members of the Orono Police Department, delivered over 2,000 donated products to WeCAN on Dec. 19.
Students at every school in the Westonka School District embraced the holiday spirit throughout December by collecting a variety of items for families served by the Western Communities Action Network (WeCAN).
With lights flashing, several Orono Police Department squad cars left Westonka Middle School on Dec. 19 on an important mission. Along with several local police officers and four WMS students, the vehicles were filled with over 2,000 toys, paper products, cleaning supplies, and personal care items to be donated for distribution at WeCAN. The school also collected financial donations for WeCAN.
Each grade level morning meeting class who collected the most items won a donut party from the student council. Fifth grader Busy Montgomery, sixth graders Oscar Hernandez and Thomas Nagengast, and seventh grader Fionn McConnell were selected to ride along and help deliver the gifts.
Advisor Elizabeth Ackerson thanked everyone who participated in the drive. “We are so appreciative of our amazing WMS families and students who brought in all the donations to help our community,” she said. Ackerson also offered a special thank you to the Orono Police Department who helped deliver the gifts.
The Hilltop Primary School WeCAN drive was a huge success. The Hilltop student council collected paper products, personal care products, and cleaning supplies daily for two weeks. Hilltop donated 1,009 items to WeCAN on Dec. 19.
Student council advisor Melissa Abernethy said the students enjoyed collecting everyday items that are needed in the community.
Shirley Hills Primary School put together an Amazon Wish List and had items delivered directly to the school. The school sent multiple emails to families and staff members during the two-week drive and families responded by contributing 447 personal care items, cleaning supplies, and paper products.
“Thanks to donations from Shirley Hills families and staff, we were able to contribute a significant number of personal care items to WeCAN for their holiday drive!” said social worker Brita Osland. “Your generosity and support to this community is incredible!”
Led by Student Senate, Westonka High School conducted a successful drive in December, collecting several dozen personal care items and cleaning supplies, and $230 in financial donations.
“These contributions will directly help support local families in need through WeCAN’s programs!” said advisor Erica Boyles.
For more information about WeCAN, visit the WeCAN website.