The Iowa Wesleyan College Tiger football program and The Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement are teaming up to organize a new service initiative this spring. As students pack up their residence hall rooms at the conclusion of the semester, usable items will be donated to area families.
Wesleyan’s Pack It Up, Pass It On program was created in conjunction with Iowa’s third Shelter Awareness Day and National Service Week.
“Every year our dumpsters overflow with great items and potential donations that our students no longer need or use,” said Jerry Parker, Director of Service Learning. “However, there are many Henry County families in need who would greatly appreciate these donations. Together, we are here to make a difference.”
Beginning Monday, April 26, collection barrels will be placed in McKibbin Hall, S-T Hall and Nemitz Suites on the Iowa Wesleyan campus to allow students to contribute furniture, small appliances, clothing and other items. Football players will go to the residence halls daily to retrieve donations and deliver them to storage.
In early May local families in need of assistance will have the opportunity to come to campus to shop from these items for free. College organizers will be work with several area non-profits and the local Mt. Pleasant Public School District to invite families to participate in this event.
“Coach Anderson approached me about collaborating on a community initiative to get his players involved in serving the needs of Mt. Pleasant. I felt this would be a great project for the football program to oversee.” Parker said.
Parker worked with a similar community outreach initiative while serving at his alma mater, Texas State.
“In December, I gave a commitment to the Iowa Wesleyan family to help improve our players’ performance, both in the classroom and out on the field. I want our players to understand why they are here, how this college will help shape the rest of their lives, and to always remember that serving others is the fabric of any strong community,” Anderson said.
For more information on Wesleyan’s Pack It Up, Pass It On, please contact Jerry Parker at (319) 385-6362 or by email at: servicelearning@iwc.edu
