MOLINE, Ill. — This year's "A December to Remember" fundraising campaign at Moline High School was certainly one students, staff and the community won't forget.
On Monday, Dec. 20, the school announced a record-breaking $62,186 was raised, over $10,000 more than previous all-time highs in 2000 and 2016.
Each year, the funds have gone toward supplying winter clothes for children in the Quad Cities area. The school said 328 students across all 15 schools in the Moline-Coal Valley School District were able to shop for new clothes at J.C. Penney in Moline this year.
"I know they go and buy winter clothes, which I know is really nice because a lot of kids don't have winter clothes, or even coats," sophomore Mackenzie Smith said.
The money was raised through several different events, including a student and staff donut-eating contest sponsored by Donut Delite, a staff cookie-eating contest sponsored by Olde Towne Bakery, treats sold by National Honor Society members and other games and activities hosted by different departments and clubs throughout the school.
The donut-eating contest alone raised more than $13,000 in funds Dec. 9. Students dressed up in different costumes while trying to eat as many donuts as possible, all while raising money for a good cause.
Last year, the events were not in-person, so all contributions were made virtually. Despite that, students, staff and community members managed to raise $37,500 for over 300 children in 2020.