OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Inside a classroom at Oskaloosa High School, winter coats are folded neatly beside stacks of sweatpants, socks, and snow pants. Students move with purpose, checking sizes, comparing prices, and carefully tracking budgets. For more than 30 years, this scene has played out quietly each December, as Oskaloosa High School Peer Helpers work to ensure students have what they need to stay warm, feel cared for, and head into winter with dignity.
The Peer Helper program, led by advisor Carrie Bihn, focuses on meeting a critical and straightforward need. Making sure children have warm clothing so they can attend school comfortably and play outside during recess throughout Iowa’s winter months.
“We want kids to be able to go outside to recess and play,” Bihn said. “Our focus is coats, snow pants, boots, and warm clothing. Long-sleeve shirts, pants, and socks. The things that keep them warm.”
While holiday gifts are part of the program, Bihn said clothing remains the priority. A longtime donor provides toys for the elementary students, allowing the program’s funds to be invested primarily in winter gear, which can be costly for families.
Each Peer Helper is given a set budget and a list of needs. Students shop together, often at the Oskaloosa Walmart, making real-time decisions about how to stretch their limited dollars.
“We were doing real-life math,” Bihn said. “They’re saying, ‘No, that’s too much. Put that one back. Get these two instead.’ They start realizing how expensive snow pants are and what it takes to make a budget work.”
When schedules allow, high school Peer Helpers meet with the elementary students they support. They ask about favorite colors, interests, and preferences so items feel personal rather than generic.
“We try to get them something they really like,” Bihn said. “If their favorite color is blue, we try to find a blue coat or sweatpants. It’s important that it feels special.”
Senior Peer Helper Kara Harman said the experience resonates with her personally. Growing up in a single-parent household shaped her perspective on why her work matters.
“Providing these things for kids who don’t always get everything they want or need makes a big impact,” Harman said. “It makes me feel good about what I’m doing.”
While shopping for a younger student, Harman said one moment stood out.
“We were in the toddler section finding outfits for our little boy,” she said. “Just picking out the clothes was really nice. It warmed my heart.”
Senior Angelea Annett said the excitement builds as packages are assembled and prepared for delivery.
“I think it’s so important to make sure these kids feel extra special on Christmas,” Annett said. “And to make sure they’re able to stay warm during the winter.”
Next week, Peer Helpers will deliver the packages to the elementary school. Each child will receive clothing and gifts, including one item saved specifically for Christmas Day.
“I can’t wait to see their reactions,” Annett said. “I hope they feel special when they open it.”
The program also supports high school students in need, though that process happens quietly. Peer Helpers do not know the names of the students at their own campus, they are helping. Instead, they are given item requests, such as sizes and types of clothing, which are distributed discreetly through student services.
Community partnerships help make the work possible. This year, Mahaska Drug donated hygiene items, including body wash and toothpaste, allowing the program to allocate more funds to clothing.
“That’s a huge help,” Bihn said. “It means we don’t have to spend our money on those items.”
Funding comes from grants and donations, including contributions from former Peer Helpers who experienced the program firsthand and want to see it continue.
“They know the value it adds,” Bihn said. “Not just for the kids receiving the help, but for the students doing the helping.”
Senior Iestyn Buchanan said his understanding of the program deepened as he got involved. What started as a service project became something meaningful.
“I realized I actually enjoy helping these kids,” Buchanan said. “Meeting them and understanding their lives helped me see how important it is.”
Shopping for families revealed the level of need in the community, he said, with many families falling into medium- to high-need categories.
“The more we were able to plan and budget, the more we could help,” Buchanan said. “The goal is to get them through the winter.”
For Bihn, the need is never abstract.
“The need is really there,” she said. “We have students who come to school with almost nothing. If we can meet some basic needs and help a kid come to school with dignity, that matters.”