Number of Participants: 18
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $6,262
Event Type: Hunger
Activity: Basketball
School: Win-E-Mac High School
Date: December 10, 2025
Location:
Win-E-Mac School
345th St SE, Erskine
MN
About:
What began as a student idea quickly grew into a powerful example of leadership, collaboration, and community impact at Win-E-Mac High School.
This holiday-season food drive was fully sponsored, planned, and led by the Win-E-Mac Honor Society, whose members challenged themselves to think beyond the walls of their own school. Instead of relying on a traditional internal competition, students intentionally expanded the effort to include the broader community—and even a neighboring school district—to maximize support for families in need during the Christmas season.
The initiative was sparked by junior Hayden Johnson, a member of both the Honor Society and SALT, who approached the Activities Director with the idea of hosting the drive during a basketball doubleheader to boost participation. Together, they identified the boys and girls basketball doubleheader against Bagley High School as the ideal opportunity—bringing two communities together around a shared cause.
From there, students took full ownership. Honor Society members created promotional materials, designed and shared graphics across social media, and developed a detailed game-night plan. Information was shared with Bagley, and the event was even promoted on local radio in Fosston during the school’s weekly news segment. With guidance from their advisor, students also coordinated the packaging and delivery of donations to the Grace Lutheran Church Foodbank.
To encourage participation, school administrators approved half-price game admission for anyone who donated at least one food item. Students wanted to motivate generosity—not minimal giving—so the Activities Department stepped in to fund a prize drawing. Families who donated more items than people in their group earned a raffle entry to win team gear.
In the spirit of collaboration, prizes reflected both communities. A Bagley supporter could win up to a $50 gift certificate to the Bagley School Store, while a Win-E-Mac fan could receive a custom hoodie designed and produced by the Win-E-Mac Print Shop. Coordination between both schools ensured the promotion felt inclusive and exciting for all.
