UPDATE: In a generous act, Austen and Morgan Iverson have donated $700 worth of snacks to L.B. Williams Elementary School in Mitchell, ensuring students enjoy tasty treats throughout the school year. This donation is a result of winning the Kiwanis Supermarket Sweep raffle, with 700 tickets sold.
On Wednesday morning, the Iversons delivered an impressive haul of goodies, including fruit snacks, Little Debbie treats, Nabisco and Keebler crackers, and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. “All things that kids like,” Austen Iverson said, highlighting the thoughtful selection for students.
The couple won the grand prize during the eighth annual Kiwanis fundraiser, where the winner races through a grocery store for three minutes, filling their cart with as much as $1,000 worth of items. Morgan Iverson purchased the winning ticket while on a trip to New York, and upon learning of their victory, they recognized the pressing need for snacks at L.B. Williams, where their children attend school.
The Iversons meticulously planned their shopping spree, even scouting the store in advance to ensure they secured the best items for their donation. “We have to be smart about this,” Morgan recalled Austen’s strategy as they prepared for the shopping dash.
Kiwanis Treasurer Linda McEntee confirmed that the club has been conducting this popular fundraiser since 2018, raising about $1,800 this year. The event was inspired by a similar initiative from the Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club. Notably, the County Fair contributed a $100 gift card for the second-place prize.
After the exhilarating three-minute spree, Austen Iverson expressed his excitement, saying, “First off, I’m completely out of breath.”
In a heartwarming twist, Morgan’s uncle and aunt, Joel and Jodene Foxley, heard about the Iverson’s generous donation and decided to add to it. They matched the donation with $700, allocating $500 to the Mitchell Caring Closet at the high school and $200 for L.B. Williams Elementary.
Morgan Iverson later shopped for additional items like frozen pizzas and chicken nuggets for the Caring Closet, remarking, “But we didn’t have only three minutes to buy those.” She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m just glad we could give back.”
The Iversons’ actions embody a spirit of community support, with Austen stating, “Anything we can to give back, especially for kids.” This initiative exemplifies the impact of local fundraising and the importance of supporting students in need.
As the school year progresses, the Iversons’ generous contribution ensures that students at L.B. Williams have access to the snacks they love, fostering a positive environment for learning and growth.
