Spring 2019
It started with a handmade sign.
John asked Terri for markers and heavy tagboard. With the sign finished, the Angel Fund had a name and a place on the corner.
Sparta, Wisconsin · Since 2019
One clear promise.So all kids can eat.
The John Harrison Angel Fund continues one Sparta man’s simple act of kindness: asking his neighbors to help children eat at school.
The message that keeps the work moving.Spring 2019John began collecting in Sparta
$10,305Raised by the community by August 2019
$28,000+Raised by John’s family over three years
The beginning
John saw a need and stood where people could see him.
In spring 2019, John Harrison stood near the Walgreens corner in Sparta and collected what neighbors were willing to give toward children’s school meals.
John knew what it was like to go hungry. He began the collection as part of his Faith Riders ministry, choosing a need he could serve in his own community while his chapter was based in Chippewa Falls.
He raised about $3,000 before his unexpected passing that June. John’s family and community carried his $10,000 goal past the finish line by August. John’s wife, Terri, their daughters Tricia, Ashley, and Brittany, and the grandchildren continue to make the Angel Fund a family effort.
Follow the full timelineA living legacy
John started it with a handmade sign. His family keeps showing up.
What began as one man’s Saturday-morning promise became something his family and community continue to carry together.
Saturday after Saturday
John built a weekly rhythm.
He stood near Walgreens from 9 to 11, turned the donations into a cashier’s check, and delivered it to the school on Friday morning after returning from the road.
June 7, 2019
One final delivery.
John brought that week’s check to the school at 9:00 a.m. After his passing later that morning, his family and neighbors chose to keep the promise moving.
By August 2019
Sparta carried the goal home.
Neighbors, friends, and local organizations stepped forward until John’s original $10,000 goal had been surpassed.
$10,305raised by the community by August 2019
A family effort today
They still return to the corner.
Terri, Tricia, Ashley, Brittany, and the grandchildren continue the work John began, standing together where his first sign was seen.
$28,000+raised by John’s family over three years
A place for everyone
Helping can look like something you already do.
Give personally, bring people together, or let an ordinary business day carry a little more purpose.
Give personally
Checks can be mailed directly to the school district’s Angel Fund. Confirm the exact check payee before writing it.
Create a match
Invite a business, family, or employer to match community gifts up to a clear, published amount.
Turn a workday into a giving day
Employee jeans days and workplace collections have already provided a simple way for local teams to help together.
Share part of a sale
A restaurant, shop, or service business can dedicate a fixed amount or percentage from a specific day or item.
From the community
The latest chapter.
Collection day
Back at John’s corner
The family returned to the Walgreens corner in Sparta and reported collecting $259 for the fund that day.
See updates and milestonesA community effort
John’s family kept the promise. Sparta keeps showing up.
Sparta Area School DistrictSparta Dental CenterSparta American Legion Auxiliary1st Community Credit UnionSparta Lady ButterfestCulver’sKEPS
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