DBS Group Launches Giving Tuesday Initiatives for Local Schools
Representatives from four local school districts and DBS Group announced Giving Tuesday initiatives today to help area students and families, encouraging others to get involved to help students thrive.
The School Pantry Stock-Up, in partnership with the Onalaska, Holmen, and La Crescent-Hokah school districts, aims to collect food for elementary school pantries to ensure students have enough to eat during the winter break. Meanwhile, the Level Up Learning Challenge is focused on the La Crosse School District to support underfunded programs like music, art, and physical education.
“Giving back to our community has always been important to us,” said Chris Walters, CEO of DBS Group. “We believe in helping local schools because investing in students today means we’re developing a stronger, more educated workforce and greater overall well-being for the community in the future. By supporting students now, we build a region where future generations are equipped to lead our communities in the future.”
School Pantry Stock-Up
School districts of Onalaska, Holmen, and La Crescent-Hokah each have a significant percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced school meals, indicating their households may be at high risk for food insecurity. For many children in those situations, school meals are a primary source of nutrition.
“Hunger can significantly hinder a child’s development and ability to learn, affecting concentration, memory, and overall academic performance,” said School District of Holmen Superintendent Kristin Mueller. “When children aren’t getting adequate nutrition, they struggle to focus. They have lower energy levels, and they find problem-solving especially difficult. All those issues affect learning and cognitive growth.”
Each elementary school within the participating districts has set a goal of collecting 250 food items by Giving Tuesday, December 3. When they reach their goal, DBS Group will donate $500 to each school to purchase the remaining items needed.
Schools report they’re hoping for shelf-stable and nonperishable foods. They especially need the following:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Crackers
- Canned tuna, chicken, or turkey
- Pasta or rice
- Cereal, rolled oats, granola, seeds, dried fruits, and nuts
- Shelf stable milk and juice
- Easy-open canned soups, broth, and pasta meals, including individual serving size
- Apple sauce, canned fruits and vegetables
- Granola bars, fruit bars, beef sticks, string cheese
Food donations can be dropped off at elementary schools within the participating districts during regular school hours.
Level Up Learning Challenge
Meanwhile, the Level Up Learning Challenge aims to help support underfunded specialty programs such as music, art, and physical education in the School District of La Crosse. DBS Group has pledged $5,000 to help teachers access new materials and equipment, replace worn-out supplies and ensure students have the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.
DBS Group and the School District of La Crosse are now encouraging school communities and businesses to join the challenge and contribute to these programs.
“When we support programs like music, art, and PE, we’re not just giving students a fun break during the day,” said School District of La Crosse Superintendent Aaron Engel. “These subjects help kids think creatively, grow socially, and stay healthy. Music and art build brainpower and boost confidence, while PE helps kids develop healthy habits and reduce stress. Together, these programs set students up for success in the classroom and beyond.”
Information and links to give can be found at bit.ly/dbsgiving2024.