Back when Plain City knew nothing of grocery stores, gas stations, and huge neighborhoods, Kash For Kids was a glue that held the community together. Every December, starting with the founding of our school, Fremont’s community raised money and gave back to those with greater needs than themselves.
Over the years, this tradition has bounced from a very small, local one, to a more community focused initiative. Once again, with the COVID19 pandemic, we have refocused back on our own school.
Although funds are primarily raised during the Christmas Season, that does not mean that they are all used at the same time of the year. Funds raised for Kash For Kids are distributed to community members in a variety of ways. For example, if a student’s family was struggling financially due to medical bills or unemployment, Kash For Kids would provide support in that situation.
In years past, Kash For Kids was also used to help with food security in our community, and food donations were included alongside cash donations. However, this year, our food pantry has separated from Kash For Kids, so the only requested donations were cash or baskets, which could be donated to the Raffle Style Fundraiser in December.
According to Mrs. Pollard, the Student Government Advisor who oversees this fundraiser (CHECK THAT IDK FOR SURE) aside from the widely known raffle, Student Gov puts on events from Lunchtime Concessions to Competitive tournaments.
This year, Lunchtime Concessions, put on by our Student Government, is a brand new initiative. “Everyone from student body to staff loves the little pick me ups in the middle of the day”, Pollard Said.
The concession stand runs every A day during both lunches, and every dollar spent on drinks goes towards Kash For Kids. All supply expenses are covered by the Student Government.
Alongside the concession stand, this year, student government has put on a viewing party of the movie “Elf” featuring Will Farrel, paid parking stalls, a ping pong tournament, a dodgeball tournament, and the miracle minute, a minute where students are encouraged to donate spare change and cash.
However, over the years, Kash For Kids has changed. Years ago, asking businesses for donations and setting up extracurricular activities was a breeze.
“The pandemic made everything take a step back for a minute,” Pollard said, “We used to do a whole bunch of activities, but the types of activities have shifted as the economy and community have changed.”
While talking about our activities, Pollard mentioned the importance of traditions in our school. “This year we are rebuilding and getting students back involved. These traditions feel brand new again, we’re reestablishing them.”
After a year of Hiatus, after school activities have once again become a possibility for Kash For Kids, completely changing the game when it comes to fundraising. The bulk of our donations this year are sourced from the raffle baskets, miracle minute, and other student oriented activities.
Although Kash for Kids has the obvious benefit of helping those in need, it also does something that is typically overlooked. As Mrs. Pollard puts it, “A lot of kids come into school with no idea that the person next to them has this whole other part of their life going on. It’s so important that kids learn how to give back. Of course it is amazing for the receiver to receive something and know that they’re thought about, but it’s even more important that kids learn how to give.”
