School: Neillsville – Andersons Donate Stimulus Check to School (2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Anderson, Gaier

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/03/2021

Donate Stimulus Check to Neillsville School (Anderson - 2021)

By Valorie Brecht

A local couple has shown the power of generosity through a recent donation. Pat and Cindy Anderson of Hatfield decided to donate their $1,200 COVID-19 economic stimulus check to the Neillsville School District to help students with any needs they might have, whether that be for clothing, food or money for school supplies or athletic equipment.

“We just received the money and felt that at our stage of life, we felt that we did all the right things. We’re healthy and well,. We figured we don’t need this so let’s send it to someone who needs help,” said Cindy, who lives with her husband on Lake Arbutus on the Clark County side.

“We have all that we need; it’s not like we needed it,” Pat agreed.

Although Pat and Cindy have never had children of their own, they have a desire to care for kids in the community.

Cindy has witnessed firsthand the needs that kids may have. She worked at the Marshfield School District for 31-and-a-half years as a receptionist. She also worked in the in-for the Black River Falls District for eight years and the Neillsville School District for a short time.

“Working in the school, you see students from all walks of life,” she said. “So, I guess you could say we’re drawn to the school situations. I’ve seen a lot with parents and students. But it’s also just the way we were raised [to give back]. It’s important to remember you came from… kindness matters.”

While Pat didn’t work with kids for his career – he spent 29 years as a controller at Roehl Transport – he has been involved with several service organizations, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters; the United Way; and the Marshfield Optimist Club. He too has a heart to help kids.

“I’ve seen the needs that are out there and wanted to help… I’ve seen kids whose families don’t have money for clothes or food,” he said.

The donation will go a long way toward alleviating those needs.

Neillsville School District Administrator John Gaier informed the school board of the donation at the February meeting. He said he knew Pat because he went to school with him in Black River Falls. He said that the school district was very grateful for the donation.