By Junior Hannah Colbert

December, probably one of the most stressful times of the year for people of all ages. For some students, it’s the stretch before Christmas break. For many adults, it’s a time of shopping and preparing for the upcoming holidays. Though for some families, this time is much more difficult than for others. Windom Schools provides opportunities for all students to help those in need. 

The end of the calendar year brings with it cold temperatures. The benefits of exercise and fresh air for especially elementary-aged students have been researched extensively. Unless temperatures are below 0 degrees (wind chill), or wintry conditions do not permit, students make their way outside for recess. Being outdoors in this weather sheds light on the need for winter clothes, snow pants, boots, coats, gloves, hats, etc. Day in and day out, kids who forget their winter gear may borrow out of a borrow locker provided which is furnished by the school. The lost and found, and even some donations help to fill the share locker. For the children that need gear for more than just one recess time, options are available to obtain what they need. One of these is the Coats for Kids organization through the BARC in Windom. Winfair staff help to inform people by handing out papers about the organization and help to set up appointments for interested families. Area churches also help fill the void by running mitten and hat drives and donating these items for distribution as families express need. However they can make it happen, Winfair staff ensures students have a safe and fun outdoor experience. 

Eagle Pride is respect and responsibility for self and others in all settings. Windom Schools promotes “Eagle Pride” through the student Eagle Pride team; a student group which exemplifies the attitudes and willingness to lead by example that being a Windom Eagle is all about. This team meets throughout the year and coordinates a variety of activities, one of them being an annual food drive. This food drive has been done for at least the last ten years, it started as something done by the National Honor Society, then by a staff member, and eventually was coordinated by the team and given the name Eagle Pride Food Drive. What better way to show our Eagle Pride than by giving to those who need it. The foundation of this drive is to give back to those in need, but is set up as a competition between homeroom classes to add an extra incentive and give motivation. This year, the Eagle Pride Team was able to give over 2,900 items to the Windom Sharing Center, which helps feed approximately 400 families in the Windom area each month. Our Middle/High School is able to contribute to local families in need, now that’s an example of something the Eagles can have Pride about. 

No matter what is given, or why it’s given, throughout the stressful cold December month, Windom students are doing their part to help. Helping students at the elementary with warm gear, or donating to the Sharing Center are just two of the numerous ways in which our school community provides opportunities to give to those in need. Students in need are able to receive help, and families in the district have the opportunity to access what they need. Even the little, easy ways that we help, can make a large impact.