Change Race

The Change Race is an annual tradition at Moeller to raise money for an organization and charity that matters to us. The event begins on Monday, March 17th, and ends that Friday during mentor group. It is a house competition, meaning each house competes to collect the most change. The winner is the house that raises the most money, but there is a twist: only change counts positively towards your house, while dollars subtract from your house's total. To win, you need to bring lots of change for your house and dollars to put in other houses' bins. The prize is bragging rights and an extra house shirt day.

The proceeds go to an organization called Operation Give Back (OGB). They assist the community through food pantries and tutoring. Ms. Stiver said they chose Operation Give Back because it aligns with the school theme of a growth mindset. Their mission is to strive for educational equity and provide community outreach to students and families in need. They aim to inspire everyone to realize their full potential and give back to society.

OGB’s main program is providing free tutoring and educational assistance to children in grades 1-8 in the Sycamore school district. They help these children reach their full potential. Additionally, they host various give-back events for the community. A significant one is the School Supplies Giveaway. This may not sound like much, but providing school supplies is very important. Some families struggle to afford all the necessary supplies, which can add up to a significant amount of money. This puts families in a tough situation, either not being able to get their kids all the supplies they need or struggling to afford other essentials. OGB also has an annual holiday store where they give away pajamas, toys, socks, and other gifts. Another program they provide is a winter coat giveaway, which is especially important for students who need to walk to school, ensuring they are properly dressed for extreme winter conditions.

Make sure you get out there and help your house and Operation Give Back next week. The pocket change sitting in your car can add up and make a real difference in a family's life. That small donation could mean the world and make a significant impact on someone else.