“I think it’s great that we're able to help our community for a whole day. It benefits everyone in the community,” said Raegen Chapman.
The United Way kicks off their annual campaign with the day of caring event. More than 660 volunteers are expected to work on a variety of projects throughout the county - from picking up trash, cleaning garden beds, building a Habitat House, working in food banks and many more opportunities.
This year, TKHS Student Council members went to the YMCA Camp Algonquin where they helped rid the camp woods of some invasive species. Using hand saws and clippers, students cut, pulled and piled up the invasive plants along a trail.
Meghan Skidmore attended the camp once when she was younger. “It’s nice to come back now and help make the camp a little better for others. It’s a great way to give back a little,” she said.
Brooklyn Hammer said she was impressed with how many people in the community will be helping out with different projects. “The community does so much for us and as a student council member I think it’s good that we get to give back. It’s pretty inspiring how many people are helping out in different ways this year.”
Students first joined other volunteers at the Barry County Expo for a morning kickoff event with this year’s theme of “United We Shine.” United Way Director Lani Forbes told guests attending that this year’s goal is to raise $900,000 and that already 45 percent of that amount has been pledged. But, she cautioned, there is still a long way to go.
Forbes said every dollar donated to the United Way is valued and can make a difference and that every dollar raised is used for services and programs in Barry County - programs like Meals on Wheels for senior citizens, the Barry County 4-H program which is the third largest in the state, the YMCA camps and programs, heating assistance, backpacks for back to school students, presents for children at Christmas, and many more.
“When an emergency strikes, this community is incredible,” said Forbes. “Given the opportunity, people want to shine. They want to help.”
At Camp Algonquin, TKHS students donned protective gloves and jumped in to help with hand axes, trimmers and a “can do” spirit. “Being in Student Council I’ve already learned a lot about ways of helping our community,” said Jackson Hasty.
Classmate Grayson Pierce agreed. “It makes you feel good to be able to help the community.”
Austin Hansford said the Day of Caring is one of his favorite times to be in Student Council. “I do a lot of volunteer work at other times too, but this is one of my favorite days. It just makes me happy. It makes me feel like I’m helping others and my community.”
Aleeah Kruisenga agreed. “I like the feeling volunteering gives you.”
Students worked with other volunteers alongside camp employees. “It makes you feel good to contribute to something. It just makes me feel better about myself,” said Lilee Grinnell.
McKenna Hawks was busy cutting and pulling stubborn weeds. “Making a difference in the community makes me happy. I feel like even if it’s in the smallest way, we’re making a difference.”
Karsyn Boersma agreed. “I feel like it’s important to volunteer. What you do matters.”
Student Council advisor Liz Ritsema said she has been leading the Student Council and volunteering alongside students for many years. “We love giving back. This community does so much for our schools and this is just a great way for our kids to help out for a day. I’m very impressed with this group. Our entire Student Council is here - every single member. They all wanted to come.”