MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the most well-known high school rivalries in West Virginia is also now part of a yearly tradition of giving back to those who you might not suspect are in need.
“We wanted to make sure that every kid had whatever opportunities that they wanted were within reach,” Morgantown High School counselor Audra Hamrick said.
The MoHawk Bowl, in conjunction with MedExpress, became the catalyst for gathering donations for two programs, one at University High and another at Morgantown. Though separated by their athletic rivalry, University’s ‘Lucy’s Dreamweavers’ and Morgantown’s ‘Mohigans Helping Mohigans’ are fighting the same fight — helping underprivileged high school students confidentially get what they need.
“[Lucy’s Dreamweavers] is a program that provides clothing and basic necessities to students in need so that the learning is not impacted by financial hardship or unmet need,” said Bethany Underdonk, a school counselor at UHS.
Underdonk said they operate the program similar to a well-organized, but confidential, store.
“We try and keep it organized so students can come in and feel like they can shop for free,” she said. “It is, of course, very confidential with the referrals.”
Hamrick said the Morgantown High School community has often played a big role in philanthropic activities outside of the state. But, she said, they began to recognize a need much closer to home.
“We thought, you know what, we have a population right at home of students and families that have needs as well,” she said. “And we just thought we really wanted to do something to help our own.”
In the lead-up to University’s 38-19 win over Morgantown in the 2017 MoHawk Bowl, customers at Qdoba in Morgantown could help send money to the programs as part of a partnered fundraiser between the restaurant, the schools, and MoHawk Bowl sponsor MedExpress.
“It really ties into our values as well — to be community partners,” said Danin Greusel, the community involvement and growth coordinator for MedExpress.
MedExpress matched up to $1,000 in donations for the programs. That money joins donations from throughout the Monongalia County area.
“Our community has been incredibly supportive,” Underdonk said. “Many others have made very generous donations and keep us up and running and full.”