Update from Two Rivers School District

Two Rivers high School

Two Rivers Public Schools Update

Here are the updates from Diane Johnson on happenings in the Two Rivers school system.
Happy 2022 wishes to you!

Before too many days pass in 2022, I want to report the ways TR really showed up this holiday season! The incredible kindness and generosity of the gift givers as well as, the gratitude and sincere appreciation of those who received these gifts is amazing and inspiring. I am honored to be a steward of such incredible generosity and care. The season of kindness began at Thanksgiving with an anonymous donation of all the fixing for a complete Thanksgiving meal. It was a complete and quality meal - Everything was thoughtfully put together! Twenty of our families received these meals.

Continuing Generosity

After Thanksgiving, at Christmas, the generosity continued with:
  • Donations of MANY winter jackets were provided by the KC Club.
  • TRHS students and staff had a winter mitten, hat and food drive.
  • "Shop with Cop" allowed 27 students to shop for their families with the help of a Two Rivers Police Officer.
  • Donations from staff and our local community provided:
    • Cash donations: $1,030
    • MANY grocery gift cards and gift certificates
    • Kwik trip & Sauve’s gift certificates
    • Walmart gift cards
    • Subway & Kohls gift cards
    • Read Apple gift certificates.
    • Four beautifully wrapped children’s gifts
  • Four student groups, four staff members and five people connected to our school community adopted13 families - several families were very large, 6 to 9 people.
  • Approximately 20 -25 people (individual students and/or families) received gift cards and gifts.

A couple of takeaways I want to share with you

One family living in a hotel due to homelessness and shelters full, wanted a Thanksgiving meal but had no means to prepare it. A full meal was prepared and delivered to the family at the hotel on Thanksgiving day. This particular family ran out of resources and was going to live in their car, when a staff member heard of the
situation and organized efforts that raised $500 for a little over a weekly stay at an area hotel.
 
A large cash donation was provided to a family who is experiencing serious medical concerns. The donating family explained that cancer has unfortunately impacted their lives and they wanted to make sure that another family felt their care and support during the holiday season. The receiving family responded, “We had a wonderful time, so blessed to be with our family! If there is any way you could thank the family that gave us that gift, could you please do that for us! We are so grateful!”
 
When I asked a family for their Christmas list they did not want to over ask or take advantage of the generosity of the people donating. They said that their son could really use a bed, he didn’t have one. They explained that they felt confident that a bed was too much to ask for, so they asked if a bike would be possible? When I shared the response with the donating family, they said, a bed was not a Christmas gift it was a necessity. To the families surprise, their son received a new bed, mattress and bedding, along with a new bike, toys and clothing for the entire family.
 
One donor of many gift cards made sure that money spent on gift cards supported local businesses, supporting families and supporting our community at the same time.
 
One family requested a real Christmas tree with a stand, and a star or an angel on top. The family received exactly what they requested along with many other toys and gifts. The receiving family asked that I share pictures and give their thanks to those who made their Christmas so amazing.
 
Although I'm certain that my list is not comprehensive or as detailed as it could be, I wanted you to be aware of some highlights. The holiday season is noteworthy but be assured that the gift giving and care of this district extends beyond the holiday season. I am sincerely grateful to help serve in this and all efforts that support and give hope to our kids.
 
Thank you!
 
Happy New Year!