Although pennies might not hold much esteemed value these days, every one made a difference in the annual Willow River Cents for Santa annual campaign. Since Thanksgiving, students and community members in Willow River collected pennies and raised funds which totaled $3,200, including generous donations by Northview Bank, the Wal-Mart Cloquet store, the Wal-Mart Associates Group, Parents for Kids, the School Store, and the teachers' Elementary Fund.
Willow River teacher Julie Hebb, along with student representatives from grades 2-6, visited Wal-Mart in Cloquet on Dec. 17 to play Santa, buying gifts for local children who might not otherwise receive Christmas presents. This year, members of the Minnesota National Guard and Karl Spring, chief meteorologist from KBJR-TV6 in Duluth, assisted the student shoppers. They chose toys, games, books, mittens and hats which were then donated through Toys for Tots to families within the Willow River School District area.
"It was exciting, the spirit of giving is alive and well in Willow River," Hebb said. "Students and staff wish to thank all of the contributors to this year's drive and thank you also to the Willow River community, students and staff who brought in their pennies, dimes, and dollars to aid this very worthy cause."
