OHS gives back during Huskies Give Week

Led by the student council, Owatonna High School students gave back to the community during Huskies Give Week.

The week is a tradition at the school, said student council co-advisor and school social worker Casie Devos. Throughout the week, she said, students and staff focus on spreading kindness through donations, service and simple, everyday moments of compassion.

This year, she said, the students expanded the event and invited all the schools in the district, including St. Mary’s parochial school, to join in. Each is doing something a little different, and “it has been cool to see even our little learners join in to make a difference,” she said.

At the high school, students are participating in special drives, offering time and energy to help others, or simply sharing a friendly smile in the hallway, Devos said, adding, “Every action counts.”

On Monday, she said, there was a pep fest, and they played Chuck a Duck for a chance to win donuts. Money raised from this event is being donated to Relay for Life-Steele County.

Tuesday was Cereal Day. Everyone was invited to bring cereal to their first hour class and see who brought the most. Mrs. Rohman’s class won with 174 boxes, she said. She added a thank you to the Van Gelder family for a huge contribution. At the end of the week, the collection was still going on but had topped 600 boxes.

Wednesday was designated as Volunteer Day, with the afternoon spent volunteering. Activities included raking leaves for elderly residents, playing music and bingo at a nursing home. Some made cards for elderly residents and kids in the hospital, while others were picking up trash in the parking lot, making blankets for those in need ,and collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Still others spent their time decorating Community Pathways for the upcoming holiday season.

On Thursday, more than 300 toys were collected for Toys for Tots. The students and staff who brought in toys were entered in a raffle to win Husky Hut dollars and other items.

Friday saw students and staff collecting bandages for Community Pathways. People are coming into Community Pathways using tissues and duct tape on their injuries, Devos said.

She said that the student council hopes students feel they have the power to make a difference.

“Watching our student body come together and support our community is one of the most inspiring parts of this week,” Devos said. “It’s a reminder that generosity isn’t about how much you have, it’s about what you’re willing to give, even if it is not money or items.”

“Our slogan this year was Join the Pack: Give Back. Let’s just say, we have many join the pack this year and we are grateful.”