In light of Veterans Day approaching Nov.11, this week many Young Republican leaders raised money for Honor Flight, “a non-profit organization dedicated to providing veterans with honor and closure,” according to their website. Young Republicans sponsor Susan Lidholm said the club’s goal is to raise $1000 to fund trips for veterans to visit their memorials in Washington D.C. She said students will be collecting donations at tomorrow’s assembly, and they will accept donations through next week as well.

“I would just like to highlight [junior Hannah Rettke, junior Megan Rodgers, senior Julia Lahue and senior Travis Bassford],” Lidholm said. “I’m just the behind the scenes person; they are the ones doing a lot of the work.”

Rettke was an organizer of fundraising who coordinated club members to stand at the booths during lunches. She said she worked for donations all of her lunches as well. Rettke said she believes in the cause strongly, especially after meeting veterans.

“After hearing their stories, we sat down and really dug in, so we could do as much as possible to help give back to those who sacrificed so much for us,” Rettke said. “We bought wrist bands and candy and sat in main during our lunches this week. We also planned a more elaborate assembly schedule in order to hopefully motivate more students to give back.”

Bassford also helped with the cause and said he raised over $200 through the week. He said he wants to “give back to them, thank them for their service and celebrate them.”

“Last year all we did was collect money at the assembly, and the money raised wasn’t anywhere near where we wanted it,” Bassford said. “So this year we decided to advertise better by putting posters around the school and giving announcements about it over the intercom. We also decided to sell wristbands and candy for donations and so far it has been a great success.”

Sophomore Riley Richardson, while not actively seeking donations, said she pitched in money for the cause after her friends ushered her to the stand during her lunch period.

“My friends were at the booth, and I liked their campaign,” Richardson said. “It was a good cause for the veterans. More giving back and less not doing anything.”

Because the Young Republican’s fundraising goal is not yet met, Lidholm, Rettke and Bassford all said they hope students bring money to the assembly in order to donate. They want to send as many World War II and Vietnam veterans to Washington D.C. as possible. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans pass away each day, so time is limited to give thanks.

“People should donate,” Rettke said, “because it’s a great opportunity to give back to those who served for us.”