Willow Lane Students Support Twin Cities Habitat

Hello, Minnows!

At Willow Lane Elementary School in White Bear Lake, a special program is encouraging students to work together, discover their strengths, and make a difference in the world. It all began when a donor offered intervention teacher Leigh Anderson five dollars for each student. This opportunity gave Leigh an idea: Instead of giving each student a few dollars, what if that money created opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and community service?

“I want every student to realize their purpose on this earth matters and their gifts can make the world better, even at a young age,” Leigh says.

She knows this doesn’t happen on its own; it takes intentionality and community support. That’s why Leigh helped launch a new program for third and fourth grade students in 2018: Minnow Tank. Think hit reality TV show Shark Tank but swap harsh judges for student-directed generosity. Seven years later, Minnow Tank is a popular, community-funded program at Willow Lane.

Minnow Tank emphasizes four key principles: opportunity, mentorship, empowerment, and gratitude. For the first part of the year, students learn about teamwork, perseverance, service, and gratitude. Next, students are sorted into teams based on causes they care about, usually animals, poverty, health, and the environment. Then they work with a volunteer coach to create a presentation about a specific nonprofit in their area. Groups give a presentation to convince a panel of judges that their charity deserves support. Winning groups get to donate money to their nonprofit.

“We want to give kids opportunities they may not have otherwise and help them learn valuable skills. They deserve to be invested and believed in,” Leigh explains. “You’d think presentation day was a state championship. They are so proud and excited.”

By and For Community

Minnow Tank is supported by generous partners like the White Bear Lake Rotary Club and White Bear Subaru. These sponsors provide finances for students to donate, as well as mentors and coaches to help prepare presentations. Nonprofit partners like Twin Cities Habitat provide information and inspiration.

“This program is made possible by the power of community and partners like Habitat. I can’t stress that enough,” Leigh says. “The community, sponsors, and so many people have come together to support these kids. It really creates a ripple effect.”

During the 2024–2025 school year, the winning team researched and presented about Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and the need for affordable housing. Donors usually give between $1,500 to $2,000 to be split among nonprofits. Last year, students from Willow Lane donated $500 to Twin Cities Habitat!

Engagement Associate at Twin Cities Habitat Lizzy Reilly says, “Not only did their efforts provide a donation toward Habitat's work in providing affordable homeownership—they also used this opportunity to share about Habitat with their classmates. You could see the heart and soul they poured into this project, resulting in a well-deserved win and so much to take forward into their own lives.”

Creating New Opportunities

There’s also a connection between success in school and affordable housing. According to the Urban Institute Initiative, safe, stable housing is key to academic success. Frequent moves and school changes can make graduation less likely. When kids have housing their families can afford, they have a safe space to learn. They can put down roots and build positive, lasting relationships with teachers and classmates.

Hearts for Home, the winning team, shared why Habitat is important to them: “Habitat for Humanity has helped millions of people around the world build or improve homes to safely live in. More people are in need. Through financial support and volunteering, everyone can help families have a home they need to build better lives for themselves. A home that will provide houses to live in. Safe, warm, and cozy shelter. Homes provide bathrooms to stay clean and kitchens to make nutritious meals and snacks. Homes provide bedrooms to sleep in because we need our rest. Home is where the heart is.”

The Hearts for Home team sharing their presentation about Habitat.

“We are so thankful for this group's hard work to learn about the importance of affordable homeownership for the community and expand their knowledge about why home is so crucial,” Lizzy says. “No matter your age, you can make a difference!”