The Lake Benton School District and Holy Redeemer School are recent examples of communities working together to give students much needed facility improvements.

A renovation project at Holy Redeemer has forced school officials to delay school, but it’s a small price to pay for improved facilities that will provide a better learning environment. The school is getting new windows that will let in natural light and will be “more beautiful than the old ones.” Also, a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is being installed. “The old system used to clang and bang like old radiators.”

In Lake Benton, playground equipment was dedicated during an open house. “It was a big upgrade,” one student said.

In both cases, the people within their respective communities were the ones instrumental in making it all happen.

Holy Redeemer started a capital campaign in which $3.9 million in pledges were offered. The HVAC and windows cost $3.35 million, so the school will use the additional money for more upgrades such as lighting and new paint.

The Lake Benton Volunteers for Education made up of “a bunch of moms” was the force behind the playground project in Lake Benton. That organization raised more than $25,000.

Both projects prove moms, dads and others in the community care about their children.