As the holidays grow closer, members of the Stillwater community are eager to donate their time and money to helping those who may need it. Many organizations, such as Toys for Tots and The Make a Wish Foundation spring into action around this time of year, and families of Stillwater Area High School’s students do their part, or at least attempt to do their part to help their neighbors.

An organization that one might not have ever heard of is one of the largest benefactors of the education of thousands of students in the Stillwater area. Give to the Max day, which took place on Nov. 14 is a statewide effort for all non-profits to capitalize on donations from supporters to schools. Though it is not structured through the school district, many schools in the 834 district participate.

The organization accepts donations from both large benefactors and community members which, in turn, combines money to give to schools who participate, which is used to fill holes in that given school’s budget.

Superintendent Corey Lunn said, “We are fortunate to have such strong local support for our schools, as demonstrated in the recent levy request. 63% of voters who came out to the polls supported our levy request. We also have many corporate sponsors such as Andersen Windows, 3M, The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation and The Partnership Plan who have made a financial commitment to our K-12 STEM program.”

With a direct amount of money going right into a school in close proximity of SAHS, Principal Andy Fields of Oakland Junior High School said, “Our school couldn’t be happier with this effort.”

In Oakland’s case, the wishlist for ways to spend this new money was relatively long.

In a letter to parents and guardians of Oakland students, Fields said, “This year’s wish list includes updates to our media center, improvements to our auditorium, the purchase of technology that will inspire engaging learning and school displays throughout the building of our students great work.”

Of the $20 thousand the principal and staff were hoping for, roughly half came in at the hands of contributors when Oakland, combined with a ‘golden ticket’ was donated $9,800.

With a total of $17 million donated to schools across the state, this program, in its 5th year is proving to be a contributor to the success of Stillwater District students are able to learn through.

The 50 thousand Minnesotans who donated this year are contributing to school systems.