
A variety of toys available at the Henry Helping Hands event. Courtesy photo.

Henry High School students prepare tables prior to the “Henry Helping Hands” event. Courtesy photo.
The Henry school opened its doors and invited the community to a “take what you need” event on the evening of Monday, Dec 9. A variety of toys, clothing for all ages, household items, as well as toiletries were available for a free-will donation. Donated items filled the lunchroom. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were available for photographs and a bake sale was also hosted.
The school started accepting donations of items from the public the week after Thanksgiving at both the school and the Codington County Sheriff’s Office in Watertown. The hygiene items were collected by students of all grade levels, with the kindergarten class winning a prize in a related contest.
Monetary donations were placed in a “Needy Fund” for students. This fund is intended to assist Henry students and families with school-related expenses such as shoes and coats. The event Monday evening raised over $100 for this fund.
The event was organized by the Henry School District’s Social Committee and headed by teachers Tori Borns and Megan Streier, as well as McKenzie Leblanc. They were assisted by upperclassmen in setting up the tables of items on Monday afternoon. Borns and Steier were both pleased with the turn-out and expressed gratitude to the Henry community.
The event will continue on Thursday, Dec. 12, evening prior to the Henry Elementary School’s Christmas Program.
Families wishing to get assistance from the Needy Fund are asked to call the Henry School District’s Business Office.