Number of Participants: 10
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $696
Organization / Team: Student Council
Event Type: Hunger
Activity: Club
School: Bemidji High School
Date: November 5, 2025
Location:
Bemidji High School
Division Street West, Bemidji
MN
About:
Student Leadership & Involvement
Ten BHS Student Council members volunteered their time to support the United Way’s Backpack Buddies program. While students were not involved in planning or leading the project—this being their first time volunteering with United Way—they played an important hands-on role throughout the event. Over a two-hour period, the group donated a collective 20 service hours.
Students assisted with stuffing food bags, packaging boxes, and presorting food items. Their teamwork, energy, and commitment helped keep the process running efficiently and ensured that hundreds of families would receive support.
Community Need & Impact
The United Way identified a growing need for weekend food assistance among local K–12 students, many of whom rely on school meals during the week. Backpack Buddies provides take-home food packs to students experiencing food insecurity.
Through this initiative, BHS students helped prepare more than 2,600 food packs, directly supporting children and families in the community. Their work ensured that students in need would have access to nutritious meals outside of school hours, making a meaningful impact on overall well-being.
Participating in this project allowed students to see firsthand how their service supports their peers and strengthens the community. It reinforced the importance of compassion, awareness, and stepping up for those who may be quietly struggling.
School & Community Connections
This partnership with United Way is just beginning, and the positive experience has inspired students to continue their involvement. United Way offers monthly Backpack Buddies volunteer shifts, and BHS Student Council plans to return regularly. The organization also hosts additional initiatives—including the annual Holiday Gifts for Kids event—where BHS hopes to send more student volunteers.
Through ongoing participation, BHS Student Council continues to model leadership, empathy, and community engagement, demonstrating how small acts of service can create a lasting and meaningful impact.
