A few weeks ago it was announced the Crookston Community Food Baskets were canceled because of COVID-19. The food baskets are given to people and families in need. After the cancelation of the food baskets, a Crookston High School student-athlete came up with another way for students to help those in need. Crookston High School Activities will be collecting donations over the next week and will purchase gift cards for families and people in need in the Crookston community.
Crookston Activities Director Greg Garmen said Crookston Pirate Girls’ basketball player Amelia Overgaard (pictured right) came up with the idea to help out the community. “Last week Darin Zimmerman (Girls’ Basketball Coach) came to me and one of his players had come up with an idea to replace part of it,” said Garmen. “We are trying to find names of people in need and I put it out to our coaches and advisors. It’s not only our athletic teams but I happened to have a timely meeting this morning with Speech, One-Act Play, and Dance, so we’ve included everyone who is hopefully going to have a season this winter. It’s another way to help and thank goodness for kids with good ideas.”
Because the school is currently in distance learning, the district doesn’t want students going out to collect donations. Instead, they’ll accept donations at the high school office. “Each of the coaches are working with their teams,” said Garmen. “And basically, if you want to, you can bring a donation to the high school office through Wednesday, December 16. There will be a match of up to $3,000, so if we can get a good turnout with our teams that would certainly help.”
The high school office will be open each day Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The teams are competing to see who can raise the most money. When you drop off a donation, let them know which team you want it to go towards. Make checks payable to Trinity Lutheran Church.
The gift cards will be distributed to community members in need before Christmas.