This holiday season, the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Elementary Student Council is holding a fundraiser to benefit Make-A-Wish of Northeast New York.
From now through December 22, students are selling Make-A-Wish stars for $1, hoping to raise a total of $1,000. It’s a fundraiser the student council has held every December for more than 20 years, and most years, students are able to surpass their initial donation goal.
“Make-A-Wish has directly touched the lives of several of our teachers and staff members who willingly tell their family story to any class interested in what the organization is doing,” said elementary math specialist Patrice King. “This makes it really special for our students to help their community.”
The Student Council, with the help of advisors Sue Buffalline and Erin McBride, is utilizing the school’s annual spirit week to encourage donations. This year’s spirit week will be held the week before winter break, starting on Monday, December 20. The themes include Penguin Day, Festive Holiday Headgear Day, White Out Wednesday, and Pajama Day.
Mrs. King said the school encourages students to earn the $1 for a star by doing something impactful at home, like household chores or doing a good deed for a neighbor.
“That seems to make it more meaningful for the students,” said Mrs. King. “The students love to spend the $1 they’ve earned to help make a wish come true. It is apparent that they are very proud to be helping another child.”
Donations can be dropped off at the main elementary school office or at Mrs. King’s office.
