Glacier High students raise money for homeless shelter

Glacier High School freshmen Lane McKoy and Jillian Kinniburgh decided this holiday season to do something to help others.

The two teens were inspired to make a positive impact in their community after hearing youth advocate and social media activist Collin Kartchner speak in October.

“He spoke about social media and about using social media for good,” McKoy said.

They have planned a fundraiser called Chicken and Mittens Project to benefit the Samaritan House. Their goal is to raise $1,000 to purchase mittens, gloves and meals for residents of the Samaritan House on Dec. 21. In addition, they plan to purchase socks and toiletries depending on the amount of donations received.

In October, McKoy connected with Samaritan House Volunteer Coordinator Missy Schroeder to find out what some of the needs were and winter gear such as mittens or gloves were on the list. Since Kinniburgh works at Chick-fil-A, the pair decided it would be nice to also serve a meal for guests when they delivered the mittens.

Schroeder said it was unique to see high school students strike out on their own to organize a project like this to benefit others at the Samaritan House. High school students are always welcome to volunteer or coordinate on projects with the Samaritan House, according to Schroeder.

So far they have raised $660. The teens said any additional money raised beyond their goal will be donated to other charitable causes.

“People have been so generous. We didn’t expect to make it so far so fast,” McKoy said.

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ChickenAndMittens. For more information about the Samaritan House call (406) 257-5801 or visit https://www.samaritanhousemt.com.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.