Empowering Tomorrow’s Athletes: Coborn’s & WK Kellogg Donate to Local Middle Schools

In a heartening display of corporate-community partnership, Coborn’s and WK Kellogg Co. have teamed up to donate $12,000 to support athletics programs at four area middle schools, including our very own North and South Jr High!

Here’s what this gift means for students, schools, and the broader community — and why it matters.

The Basics: Who, What, Where

• The donation is part of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Mission Tiger initiative, which supports school athletics.
• The funds will be evenly distributed among North Junior High, South Junior High (both in St. Cloud), Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, and Sartell Middle School.
• The money is earmarked for uniforms, equipment, and technology to bolster athletic programming.
• This is the second consecutive year Coborn’s and WK Kellogg have collaborated via Mission Tiger in this area.

Why It Matters: More Than Just Sports

At first glance, $12,000 may not seem transformational for multiple schools — but its impact can ripple far beyond the field:

1. Access & Equity

Every child deserves the chance to participate, regardless of background. Funds like these help ensure that a lack of uniforms or gear isn’t a barrier to joining a team.

2. Holistic Development

Athletics teach teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and leadership — lessons that reverberate in classrooms and future careers. As Coborn’s store director put it, the gift “provides more children with the chance to develop valuable skills that go beyond sports.”

3. Community Pride & Investment

When local businesses step up, they send a powerful message: we believe in our youth. That fostered goodwill can spur more support — from parents, local agencies, and other donors — for school programs.

4. Positive Health Outcomes

In an era of rising screen time and sedentary habits, every incentive to get kids moving matters. Athletic programs can be a crucial counterbalance to inactivity.

What’s Next for the Schools?

While specifics will depend on each school’s unique needs, we can anticipate:

• Upgraded gear & uniforms so teams look unified and feel confident
• Better equipment or technology (for training, analysis, or logistics)
• Expanded participation as more students can join without financial strain
• Potential ripple funding: such donations often attract matching or complementary funding from other stakeholders
  
  

Final Thoughts

In the world of middle schools and tight budgets, partnerships like the one between Coborn’s and WK Kellogg can make a palpable difference. It’s not just about funding — it’s about reinforcing the idea that young people are worth investing in.