A flyer for the Community Homecoming Clothing Drive for Menasha High School. September 11, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Oct. 17. That’s homecoming for Menasha High School.
But for many whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the July 27 tornado, finding the perfect outfit to wear hasn’t been a priority. That’s where a special group of volunteers comes in.
Menasha High School is collecting homecoming donations for students impacted by the tornado.
“I think it’s super important for everyone to feel involved and feel like they have a part, and they can have the resources to be a part of everything and just feel like everyone else and no feel left out especially if they can’t afford those things,” said senior Iylee Mahoney.
“We had a lot of families lose everything,” senior Adelyn Lauer continued. “And they needed to just get back on their feet, a lot of people aren’t thinking of homecoming right now, but like Iylee said, we just want everyone to feel included.”
The drive started Sept. 8, and the collection has already needed to move to a larger space to keep the racks from overflowing. The drive is being helmed by teacher Erika Gearhart.
“Just in a couple short days, we probably have 1 and a half full clothing racks full of dresses and then we have a couple of other bins that we’re doing pants and shirts and other clothing items for the gentlemen,” Gearhart said.
As the community is still working on cleanup from the devastation caused by the July tornado, Gearhart says it’s important for students to find a sense of normalcy.
A yearly tradition like homecoming is the perfect way to get back into the routine. Students agree.
“Everything that we’ve gone through, if you’ve lost a bunch of stuff, this is like a good time to forget about it and have fun,” senior Olivia Himes said.
“We don’t want anyone to ever feel like they can’t come to something because homecoming is something that is supposed to get your mind off of things, get you back into school, and we just want to take away that worry of having to buy a dress and the heels and everything,” Lauer said.
The school is holding an event on Sept. 26 for students to try on and take home the donated clothes.
Anybody looking to donate can drop their clothes off at the Menasha High School front office.
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