The United Way of Mower County received a donation from students at Austin High School earlier this month.

During the month of December, students at Austin High School participated in an annual holiday fundraiser, “5 Days of Giving.” The event, sponsored by Student Council, Youth Leadership and National Honor Society, encourages students to give to others in need. This year, they donated to the Women’s Leadership Initiative’s Weekend Food Backpack program.

“We are thrilled to receive this donation from the students at AHS,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, executive director of United Way of Mower County. “It’s obvious we have a very generous community from seniors citizens to students.”

The Women’s Leadership Initiative is a newly formed women’s group in Mower County focusing on ensuring children’s basic needs. One of their projects is a weekend food backpack program at Woodson and Southgate schools.

“This donation will provide 363 meals for children who otherwise might not have food available to them over the weekends,” Lighthizer-Schmidt said. “That’s a lot of hungry kids being fed.”

The Women’s Leadership Initiative is open to all women in Mower County. If you are interested in learning more or joining visit the United Way of Mower County’s website at www.uwmower.org.