iJAG students engage in community service

MT. PLEASANT—The Mt. Pleasant Community High School iJAG program is hosting a hygiene/school supply drive now through Friday.

iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) program students make it a priority to maintain community involvement, and this is only their more recent venture into such things.

According to iJAG instructor Beki Hoyle, the program’s student vice president of community service Arianna Taylor has taken the lead on the drive.

“She is doing great at it almost single-handedly,” Hoyle said. “Her efforts have been quite amazing!”

“It was my idea originally,” Taylor said. “I went to the principal with it, he went to the school board with it, and it got approved.”

“Since it is my senior year, I am just trying to do as much as I can to help the community,” she said.

So far, Taylor says they have received a number of donations from local businesses like Hy-Vee, the hospital, Iris Bowling, D&D Tree Service, Brad Holtkamp Automotive, Brechts Auto Sales, H&R Block, The Grange, Big Dog Tattoos, Miss K’s, Rod’s Automotive, Orscheln’s, Steffes, Scooters, E.TC. Boutique, Nikki K’s Dance studio, Good Year, Faith Christian Outreach Church, US Bank and others around the Mt. Pleasant, New London, and Burlington area.

Taylor learned that asking corporations for donations is a lot of waiting.

“When you ask, they have to then ask someone else, or you have to fill out paperwork and it has to be approved before they can donate anything,” she said.

“I didn’t expect the waiting game,” Taylor said, but she is utilizing communication skills as she continues to reach out.

At this point, the drive has collected over $160 and supplies from community members, as well.

Donations drop-off is at the High School began Nov 1 and will continue during school hours through Nov. 30 and will benefit Mt. Pleasant and Iowa Wesleyan students.

Donation suggestions:

Pens/Pencils

Notebooks

Binders

Lined Paper

Markers

Note Cards

Folders

Calculators

Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

Hair brushes

Feminine/male hygiene products

Deodorant

Shampoo/Conditioner

According to Taylor, once the drive has wrapped, the items will be distributed into male and female product bags.

“We’re going to have a table set up at the high school at the beginning of December, and distribute the bags” she said. “The same goes for the middle school and Iowa Wesleyan.”

For questions or concerns please contact (641) 451-4191 or email 10128@mtpcsd.org

For those unable to drop off donations at the high school, Taylor invites them to contact her for pick-up.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com