Making a bigger impact in the community, especially at Lincoln East, was the heart of a recent Foundation for LPS donation from the East High Student Council. Being a group that has always raised money and contributed to organizations with meaningful missions, it’s no surprise there is a story behind their $1,400 donation.
“Over the years, we’ve been partial to certain organizations that members of the student council have had a connection to,” said Sponsor Dylan Kitchen. “But about a year ago, there was a shift in the conversation about where our funds should be donated, and we chose to go through the Foundation for LPS, which was at the front of our minds because of the difference they make.”
Students had learned about the growing issue of student lunch debt nationwide, in Nebraska, and specifically within LPS. Seeing the contrast between some of their own fortunate circumstances and the struggles of some of their peers, they were moved to action.
The student council partnered with several local businesses for “Dine Out to Help Out” nights, encouraging students, families, and staff to eat out at a local restaurant that will then donate a portion of the proceeds to the student council. After several different events, they were able to donate 100% of their proceeds, totaling almost $1,000, to the East School Lunch Debt.
“For many students, school meals are the only ones they have access to throughout the day. This necessary nutrition is forcing significant financial pressure onto the shoulders of the families of these students who can't afford it,” said chair of the Outreach Committee, Keira Wade. “Our food nights, in collaboration with fast food restaurants around the city, fundraise to pay off some of that debt for families, giving them the hope to continue eating LPS meals.”
Their impact on their peers didn’t stop there. They recognized the financial barriers preventing some students from participating in extracurricular activities. By raising money for the activities fund, they aimed to ensure that students who might not have the financial resources had the opportunity to pursue their passions.
A collaborative volleyball game with the football players was a major milestone and community-building event that brought together Southwest High School students, faculty, players, and supporters. It served as a community-building event to come together to raise money for the students of the future.
As the East Student Council sponsor, Dylan is proud of the actions taken to directly shift the financial focus to the Lincoln community. “I am community-focused, so this is magical to me. When our students can see behind the curtains and empathize with students they sit in the classroom with, that's amazing.”
