Click on the above image for more photos from the Stuff the Bus event.

March 15, 2023 — Excitement filled the halls of the Westonka school buildings on March 10, as students eagerly shared hundreds of food items they collected for the Westonka Food Shelf at the annual “Stuff the Bus” event. A school bus stopped at each school, where students stuffed the bus with food and cash donations collected during the March FoodShare Drive.

Mound Westonka High School Student Senate saw another successful year of fundraising, surpassing their goal of $2,000 by collecting $3,000 in cash donations. MWHS ran a week-long drive collecting cash and checks before and after school at a curbside collection, during all lunches in school and through online donations. During lunch, students and staff could donate their money in return for raffle tickets, which were turned in for a chance at great prizes, generously donated by local community members.

“We appreciate everyone’s generous contributions,” said Student Senate advisor Jamie Harms.

Grandview Middle School students collected a total of 1,714 items and dollars for the food shelf. The morning meeting classes of Brenda Hoogeveen, Jessica Rashleger and Dane Warming won donut parties from the student council for being the grade level leaders in collections. Advisor Elizabeth Ackerson said, “We are so thankful to our awesome students and families for their support of our community!”

Hilltop Primary School's student council collected over 1,000 canned and boxed food items for the food shelf. Advisor Melissa Abernethy thanked the families and students at Hilltop for their generosity.

At Shirley Hills Primary School, students, staff and families collected 1,134 items plus some cash donations. Some very strong students helped to load the bus on collection day.

The Westonka Food Shelf is located in the Grace Family Center adjacent to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mound. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the food shelf at (952) 472-5599.