(Arnolds Park)– Students involved in the Youth In Philanthropy program are doing their part to make the holidays brighter for some in the community. Mindy Gress is with the Okoboji Foundation, which oversees Youth In Philanthropy. She tells KUOO news the students were involved in two special projects recently…
“First we had a anonymous donor who now for three years has provided some funding that is used to buy Christmas presents for children who may not have Christmas this year and so we worked with one of the local schools and with Kaden’s Closet to identify some children in need and then our Youth in Philanthropy students took those funds and went and purchased Christmas gifts for the child that they had names. And then additionally at their meeting they learned, we kind of took a little art class from Holly Zinn at the Art Center and they made ornaments to be then delivered to a retirement facility in the region just to provide a little merry Christmas for some of our elderly community members.”
Gress says it helps instill even more to young people the importance of giving back to the community…
“And so of course our Youth in Philanthropy students are learning all about fundraising and how the grant process can impact the local organizations that then impacts the greater local community. But even on a smaller level looking at what are the needs around us. Who are the people that we can help. And even a small impact, whether that’s, you know, a small ornament being given or maybe it’s a phone call. But really looking out for our neighbor and how we can help the greater community. So yes, the impact is great in so many different ways.”
Gress adds the Youth In Philanthropy students continue their fundraising as well. She says they’ve raised $10,000 so far, toward their $55,000 goal. It continues through March. Anyone wishing to donate may do so at okobojifoundation-dot-org and by clicking on the “youth” tab. You may also contact the foundation at 332-7177.
