On Sept. 11, 2025, the Oshkosh North Communities Program organized a Food and Hygiene Drive. Communities students and staff learned more about September 11th, 2001, and decided instead of a day of tragedy and mourning they were going to turn it into a day of service. Freshmen and sophomore students went around to many different neighborhood associations and put door hangers on doors that included the information about the project and how they could help. A few days later, students went back out and collected the items that were donated.

English and Leadership teacher in the Communities program Brad Weber said, “It was a pretty impactful project. The collaboration with Oshkosh neighborhood associations increased awareness and activity to the day.”

This project had many different parts. It could not be done just by the Communities staff and students so they were able to get help from students’ family members and friends throughout the project. Once all of the items were collected they were sorted and packaged, they were brought to many different organizations in Oshkosh. The food that was donated went to Father Carr’s Place 2B, and the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry. The Personal Hygiene products went to the Christine Ann Center. Lastly, the pet products went to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. Families around Oshkosh are now able to access essential items from these organizations thanks to the generosity of Oshkosh’s community.

On the afternoon of 9/11, juniors and seniors in Communities headed out into the community to complete service projects. They volunteered at the 20th YMCA, the Tiny House Village, the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, Winnebago Housing, and also Asylum Point. This work included yard work, painting, and shoreline cleanup. 

There was even a documentary crew from Chicago filming work from the day. Communities and their 9/11 Day work will be part of a documentary coming out next year for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Communities is one of many groups helping to turn this day of tragedy into a day of service. 

Sophomore Lucy Housworth said, “It felt good to give back to the community since they are always willing to help with our projects.”