University Lake School students make, sell pies for charity

HARTLAND -- With Thanksgiving just two days away, many were busy Tuesday, November 20th -- preparing for the big feast. Meanwhile, students at University Lake School in Hartland were busy making pumpkin pies for charity!

Nearly 100 students from Pre-K to fourth grade helped make pumpkin pies from start to finish. The students measured the ingredients, made the filling and poured it into the crust with the help of a few parents.

“I'm opening pumpkin cans and cracking eggs,” fourth-grader Will Michaels said.

“I like it because you get your hands really messy,” fourth-grader Brynne Hill said.

It was an effort by the school’s Student Council – to sell pies and collect money for those who are less fortunate. Last year, students made and sold 120 pies.

So far this year, they have reached more than 170 pies, totaling more than $1,700!

“It is going to the Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council.  We sponsor several families and help the children out buying gifts, buying gift cards,” Student Council advisor Sue Manne said.

“We're also going to use money to buy lunches for kids in families that don't have that much food, and they have this program called Blessings for Backpacks,” Michaels said.

While the kids were having fun, they also learned it’s good to give back.

“I feel really great that I'm helping out so many people because then they get to have a great Thanksgiving pie and meal and stuff,” Hill said.

The entire project was created by the students themselves to help make the holiday season a little brighter for other kids in need.

“One of our goals is character through service, and they really got out there.  They got their parents to buy the pies,” Manne said.

Once all the proceeds are collected, the students plan to present a check to the Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council at a school-wide assembly in mid-December.