The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

February 5, 2010

Area schools continue Haiti relief efforts

By Tanner Kent The Free Press

MANKATO — Area schools also have done their part to assist the relief efforts in Haiti.

From coin drives to fundraising competitions between grades, students have responded quickly.

“Students get it,” said Paul Peterson, principal at St. Peter High School. “They understand there are things they can do, and should do, to help. And it’s so fun to see.”

In St. Peter, a student group started a “Time to Make a Change” fundraiser competition between grade levels. Water coolers were placed in hallways around the school and Peterson said they are filling fast. Next week, at the conclusion of the school’s Snow Week festivities, students will count all the donations and name a winner.

At Mankato East High School, the student council raised more than $1,000 by accepting donations to wear a hat (for students) or jeans (for staff) in school. The school also auctioned a school blanket and an iPod Shuffle.

“Students aren’t waiting,” said East Principal Shane Baier. “They’re initiating.”

At Dakota Meadows Middle School, students also held a hat day fundraiser and one student’s family offered to match the donations up to $500. At Franklin Elementary, students raised $1,980.70 through a coin drive — and the school’s PTO made it an even $2,000.

Mankato Loyola students have dedicated the collections from weekly masses to relief efforts, and primary school students are calling their annual outreach event during the season of Lent “Hope for Haiti.”

At Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Elementary, the fifth- and sixth-grade peer mediators are collecting $800 to donate to Kids Against Hunger. In St. Clair, the high school Student Council collected $420 during its coronation ceremony for Snow Week and Students Against Drunk Driving has begun its own drive.

Several other schools, both in Mankato and throughout the area, also are raising funds and will be making donations in the coming weeks.

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