Rotary Club of West Polk County Donates Coats to DC-G School District
Posted by Brian Buethe
on Oct 19, 2015
In 2002, Operation Warm was founded to counter one of the most unfathomable hardships of childhood poverty; the lack of adequate winter clothing. By necessity, families struggling to survive prioritize food, heat, and rent above winter clothing resulting in frequent absenteeism from school. This translates not only to forgone learning but also missed opportunities for socialization, play, and balanced nutrition provided through the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program. School attendance is as important as warmth because through education, upcoming generations will become productive, hopeful, and enterprising.
Working with our partners at the district level, the Rotary Club of West Polk County was able to raise funds enough to secure nearly sixty coats through Operation Warm and donate them to the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District.
It is our sincere hope that these coats will indeed help someone or ease the burden on a local family who can use a hand as we enter the cooler seasons of the year. Thank you to all who donated funds to make this donation possible and to our friends at the DC-G School District for their help in identifying and distributing the coats.
Pictured from left to right; Dallas Center-Grimes North Ridge Elementary Principal April Heitland, Rotary Club of West Polk County President Jeff Holladay (U.S. Bank Home Mortgage), Rachael Owens (Sweet to Eat Bakery), Mike Bonnett (R&R Realty Group), Jason Kerndt (VisionBank).