Students Face Cold For Cause

Samantha Farley, from left, 16, Keaton Duersch, 16, Katie Wilson, 17, and Emma Hackett, 17, wave signs at motorists Thursday along Southeast J Street in Bentonville to advertise their donation station in front of Bentonville High School. The students, members of Amnesty International’s Bentonville High School chapter, were taking food donations for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and clothing and monetary donations for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter. The event continues from 6 to 11 a.m. today.
DONATION STATION
Samantha Farley, from left, 16, Keaton Duersch, 16, Katie Wilson, 17, and Emma Hackett, 17, wave signs at motorists Thursday along Southeast J Street in Bentonville to advertise their donation station in front of Bentonville High School. The students, members of Amnesty International’s Bentonville High School chapter, were taking food donations for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and clothing and monetary donations for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter. The event continues from 6 to 11 a.m. today. DONATION STATION

— A cold wind whipped around a group of Bentonville High School students on Thursday as they raised awareness for the homeless.

A wind chill that made the temperature feel like 25 degrees didn’t discourage students with the school’s Amnesty International chapter. They camped out in front of the high school from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and will be there from 6 to 11 a.m. today.

Samantha Farley, chapter president, said the event is a way to increase awareness and to take action. The public is asked to drop off food, clothing, blankets and money today. Donations will be given to local charities.

Farley struggled to hold a cardboard box sign with a money symbol on it as it flapped in the strong wind Thursday. The chapter didn’t plan to ask for money donations, but people started donating cash, she said.

“We have received a good amount of donations,” Farley said midday Thursday. “I’m proud of our community.”

Kylee Cole, chapter treasurer, said people were generous to the cause.

“I’m surprised by how much people are giving,” Cole said. “One guy pulled up and gave me a $10 bill.”

Aaron Williams, chapter faculty adviser, said the group is in its first year and has more than 40 members.

“I don’t know that many people who would be out here in this weather for a cause,” Williams said. “They are setting an example.”

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