A remarkable group of students from Northwood Children’s Services is quietly making a powerful impact across the Twin Ports community through service, compassion, and dedication.
Known as the “Wolverine Community Champions,” these students — all participating in residential mental health treatment at Northwood Children’s Services — have spent the past 10 months volunteering throughout the community without seeking recognition or praise. Their commitment to helping others has included weekly volunteer work at the Douglas County Humane Society, along with additional community service efforts across the region, including a hygiene supply drive for the homeless, food drive for CHUM, and tie blanket fundraiser donating to CASDA.
In the past 10 months, the students have raised approximately $3,200 worth of supplies to the various organizations. The students consistently go above and beyond in their volunteer roles, demonstrating kindness, responsibility and leadership while giving back to the community. Staff members at Northwood Children’s Services hope to surprise the students by publicly recognizing the tremendous work they have accomplished.
“These students show up every week ready to help wherever they are needed,” said Morgana Kolenda, Director of Resource Development at Northwood Children’s Services. “They have never asked for recognition, yet they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and compassion.”
To support the students’ continued community impact, a fundraising page is available through the Northwood Children’s Services website at northwoodchildren.org and through Northwood’s Facebook page. All funds raised will be donated to a charity selected collectively by the students. Northwood Children’s Services will match donations up to $1,000, doubling the impact of community contributions.
Future volunteer plans for the Wolverine Community Champions include continuing their service at the Douglas County Humane Society, volunteering with Feed My Starving Children in Minneapolis and participating in local city park clean-up projects.
