Weekly Roundup
April 9, 2026
Check out this week's roundup of the good things going on at GDG! Stories this week feature a Minnesota student who donated dog food to a local food shelter, winter gear for crossing guards at a school in Montana, and a group in Colorado that sold chocolate bars to raise money for Polar Bears International.
The Benjamin Project
Lily - Minnesota
I decided to use my money to buy dog food for a local food shelter to give to people in need, as people often forget that it's not just the humans that need to eat but also their furry friends. I asked friends and family to help me by donating money so I could make a bigger impact and they really came through. In total I was given an extra $600 from many different friends and family members who all care about pets as much as I do. Something that really surprised me was just how appreciative people were- not just the people at the food bank, but the workers and customers at the store where I got the pet food. They were really inspired when they heard what I was doing and it felt really good to make a positive difference in the community.
The Benjamin Project
Dalton - Montana
The winters in Montana are long and cold, with abundant snow. It is not unusual for the temperatures to dip below zero degrees. That said, the crossing guards at my school arrive every day with smiles, ensuring our safety. For my Benjamin Project, I decided to use the funds I received to purchase each of the guards' hats and gloves, in the hopes of giving back to the individuals who do such important work. Not only do the crossing guards ensure my safety, but they also start students' day off with such positive energy. I hope the gear I am providing to them will help restore some of the warmth they share with students each day. I am grateful to be part of the Benjamin Project's important work, and this opportunity has reminded me to be more appreciative of even the small things in life.
The Benjamin Project
Maddie & Maya - Colorado
My partner and I used our $100 to purchase chocolate bars. We bought 72 bars and sold them for three dollars each. We ended up raising $211 by selling our chocolate bars as holiday grams for our school. We donated all of our proceeds to Polar Bears International, to help save them from extinction. Many people in our school loved the holiday grams and they became a popular holiday gift. We spread cheer in our community, and helped the polar bears! Overall this was a great experience and we are so grateful to have done the Benjamin Project!