Students and teachers searched through their closets for any old clothes and other unused items for WeAct’s 2015 Giving Tree. It paid off. This year, Cannon Falls donated almost 800 items more than last year to get a grand total of 3,179. “This year was very successful as we surpassed the number of items we collected last year, which was 2,400 items,” Mrs. Dahlen, one of the WeAct leaders, said. Although the Giving Tree was very successful, it could have used more advertising around the community to spread the word outside of the school.

In a reward for the students’ hard work, a holiday dance happened at the end of the day on December 23rd which was Mr. Hodge’s idea. Many middle schoolers really enjoyed having fun at the dance before winter break started. High schoolers took that chance to leave school early and get their winter break started. Mr. Hodges also dressed up as an elf with green tights and a red hat. He posed with students for pictures during the dance. Mr. Drucker dyed his beard candy cane colors. “I think the reward was fun. It is always fun to see your principal in an Elf costume. I think the upper clansman enjoyed being able to leave early and the middle schoolers enjoyed the dance,” Mrs. Dahlen adds. Although the Giving Tree was very successful, it could have used more advertising around the community to spread the word outside of the school.

Not only have Cannon Falls students’ breaks been good but the families who received the items CF donated surely had an even better holiday. The donations were sent to Connecting Connections, a Red Wing, Minnesota charity organization. They were very excited to receive the three thousand items to distribute to families. Whether those items are gently used clothes, toys, etc. that the students bought or gifts that didn’t quite work for them, the Giving Tree welcomed many items to spread happiness.