Each fall, the students of Owatonna High School come together for an event called “Huskies Give Week,” when the spirit of giving replaces more traditional fundraising drives.
Following is a list of the events:
Monday: Chuck a duck! During the pep fest, pay to chuck a duck. All money will be donated to Relay for Life.
Tuesday: Bring a box of cereal to win bagels in your 1st hour class – highest percentage of boxes per student. Basketball Extravaganza at the OHS.
Wednesday: Sign up for activities during compass time to volunteer your time. Card-making, tie blankets, raking, etc!
Thursday: Bring in a toy for Toys for Tots; this is your chance to win the raffle drawing!
Friday: Bring band-aids to get entered into the raffle to earn some awesome prizes! NHS pickleball tournament at OHS.
These activities help collect funds and items for area nonprofits like United Way, Community Pathways, and Toys for Tots. This week also presents opportunities for students to volunteer their time in the community. Freshman Remi Hareid said, “I am really excited to participate in Give week because I know what it feels like to struggle with the simple things”.
According to Community Pathways, over 17,000 individuals are served annually, and 34% of them are under age 17. That means many of the students at OHS may be part of the community being served.
The shift to “Huskies Give Week” instead of “Cash Drive” makes it easier for more students to participate. Huskies Give week allows for students to bring in items or donate their time making tie blankets, writing cards to senior citizens, just a few examples. Junior Michiah Lawson said, “I bring things in for Give Week every time it comes around. If I can’t donate, I always volunteer.”
