Students Host Charity Car Wash to Benefit Food Bank

RESERVE MINES — On a bright Saturday morning, students from Reserve Mines High School organized a charity car wash in the parking lot beside Johnson’s Grocery. The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., invited local residents to donate what they could to have their vehicles washed by student volunteers. “We wanted to do something fun that gets everyone involved, and it’s for a good cause,” said senior organizer Mia Donovan. 

Students initially set a $500 fundraising goal, but their hard work paid off: over the four-hour event, they raised $1,200 in cash donations, plus collected non-perishable food items for the Reserve Mines Food Bank. “Demand at the food bank has nearly doubled since last year,” said Food Bank Director Christina O’Neill. “Every dollar and can of food collected here is going right back into our community.”

Volunteer teachers supervised as students scrubbed, rinsed, and dried a steady line of vehicles. Parent and Belmont Street resident John MacDougall noted, “I really appreciate the kids’ hard work and the message: a clean car and helping out the food bank at the same time—what’s not to love?”

The car wash also featured homemade lemonade and baked goods for purchase. All proceeds from refreshments added another $300 to the total donation. Reserve Mines Food Bank has scheduled a brief ceremony at the school on Monday, June 30, where students will present a giant check and the food donations to the organization’s board.

Mia Donovan reflected on the experience: “Seeing how much our community cares motivates us to keep organizing events like this.” Organizers hope to make the charity car wash an annual fundraiser, with plans to expand next year by partnering with local businesses for additional donation booths.