Click on the above image for more photos from the "Haunt for Hunger."

November 5, 2024 — National Honor Society students joined the ranks of local trick-or-treaters on Halloween, but their mission was a bit more ambitious than gathering candy. The Mound Westonka High School students went house to house, asking for canned goods or cash to support Western Communities Action Network (WeCAN).

“What a great night!” said advisor Jana Pare. “I love that so many students gave their time to interact with our amazingly generous community to raise funds and donations for WeCAN!”

The first annual Haunt for Hunger event was a huge success, as students collected over $1,800 in cash and 1,408 pounds of food. Students promoted their project by encouraging area residents to contact them ahead of time to arrange a pick-up. Students split up into 28 teams and covered multiple neighborhoods in a short period of time before meeting up at WeCAN to donate the collected items.

“I am so thankful for and proud of these young leaders,” said WeCAN Executive Director Christopher Anderson. “Their energy and enthusiasm to be out in the community, working hard to help WeCAN and the families we serve, is so impressive."

About NHS

The MWHS chapter of the NHS is a dynamic group of not only academically motivated students, but also students who demonstrate exceptional character and commitment to service. A perfect example of that service is the group’s partnership with WeCAN.

One of the requirements for NHS students is to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per year. WeCAN has afforded students multiple opportunities to volunteer during the year including packing kids’ food bags, stocking shelves, cleaning, organizing, helping with the back-to-school program, special projects, and more.