Ben Balge knows what a difference community involvement has made in the lives of Rhinelander High School students.
It’s why the high school senior is excited to be part of a new initiative to give back to the community.
“There’s so many different services and organizations, charities that are trying to give back to the community. One of those categories in our community is our students. So having our students be able to have the opportunity to return the favor in a sense is something the Hodag Cares Program is really striving for,” said Balge.
Here’s how the Hodag Cares Program will work:
Students will raise money. The Key Club’s goal is for 100 students to donate at least $10 each.
Whatever amount they raise will be matched by Rhinelander Kiwanis.
The students will then vote on which community non-profits or project will get the donation.
Superintendent Eric Burke brought the idea of the Hodag Cares Program from a previous school he worked at.
“The students got a lot out of it, giving back to the community, like Ben said, which was great and also our community benefited. It was all around just a great thing,” said Burke.
In order for the program to work, the school needs projects to support.
Rhinelander area organizations or non-profits that would like to be considered for a donation toward a community project should contact Burke at 715-365-9700.
Anyone interested should contact Burke by March 25th.
Three will be selected to give a presentation to students on April 4th. After the presentations, students will vote on which one will receive the donation.
