OLEAN — Last month, Genesis House welcomed members of the Olean City School District Student Activities Council, who delivered a generous donation collected through their annual Homeless Huskies event.
The students’ compassion, leadership, and commitment to helping neighbors in need truly reflect the spirit of the community, said Genesis House Executive Director Melissa Yaworski.
Homeless Huskies is a long-standing tradition at Olean High School, dating back to the early 1990s when it was founded by Student Activities Council President Pierre Eade. The event was created to raise both awareness and funds for local organizations supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Each year, students brave an overnight stay outside, often in cardboard boxes they decorate themselves, to gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals without stable housing, while also fundraising through sponsorships and donations.
Over the decades, the event has grown to engage hundreds of students, staff, and community members, providing significant support for partners such as Genesis House and other community organizations.
For students, it has become a meaningful rite of passage that emphasizes empathy, service, and civic responsibility.
Genesis House thanked the Student Council, their advisors, and the entire Olean City School District community for continuing this important tradition and for their dedication to making a difference in the lives of those they serve.
