First-grade students at Minden Elementary School, guided by teachers Madison Hukkanen and Stacia Almeida, recently organized a fundraiser for Renown Children's Hospital. The creative initiative, which enlisted the collaborative efforts of first-grade students alongside high school students from DHS and ASPIRE, involved crafting and selling friendship bracelets and cotton candy. The project, aligned with 1st-grade social studies standards on community helpers, aimed to teach valuable life skills.

With step-by-step guidance, the students learned how to organize and execute the fundraiser. A visit from Mackenzie Peters, a pediatric emergency registered nurse at Renown enriched their understanding of community helpers. Mrs. Hukkanen expressed her personal connection to the cause, stating, "After Mackenzie spoke with both of our classes, we immediately started to brainstorm different ways that we could fundraise money for Renown Children's Hospital. This project is very close to my heart because Mackenzie is my little sister and the impact that she is making and continues to make on her patients is everlasting. I am so proud to see all the hard-work and dedication she invested to achieve her goals and reach her current position."

On Nov. 30th and Dec. 1st, the young philanthropists sold their creations, raising an impressive $1,425.75. This achievement highlights the power of education combined with community engagement, instilling empathy and responsibility in the students.