Our Southeast Polk Community Cares

This past month, school buildings and groups across our district, from elementary schools to our boys’ basketball team, to the District Office, all had the same idea: help our community by hosting food drives to benefit Caring Hands Outreach Center, our local food pantry. Through the generosity and teamwork of our amazing Southeast Polk community, we are proud to show once again that the heart of SEP is taking care of each other.

Donations were collected at multiple campuses and delivered to the local pantry in Altoona. Delaware Elementary leaders set out to collect 1,760 items to donate to Caring Hands and blew that goal out of the water, collecting 2,607 items! The Delaware Student Lighthouse Team had the opportunity to help load the items before they were taken to Caring Hands. The Caring Hands volunteers were impressed by how hard are students worked.

Our high school boys’ basketball team kicked off their pre-season hosting a Boys Athletic Union “Achieve Scrimmage.” As part of the scrimmage, the home team selects a service project to give back to the community, and our team selected Caring Hands. For the scrimmage, in lieu of an admission fee, attendees brought non-perishable and/or cash donations for Caring Hands. Bins were placed at both the Jr. High and High School. A QR Code was provided if someone wanted to donate but wasn’t going to the game or at one of those buildings.

We’ll share the total weight of all donations once Caring Hands finalizes its count — but the early glimpse of overflowing boxes tells us together we made a real difference.

We believe in our mission of preparing students for “Success for College, Career, and Civic Life.” That mission and our core value of stewardship came to life as students, staff, and coaches modeled philanthropic citizenship and cared for our community.

Thank you to everyone who donated food, volunteered time, or helped transport goods! When we unite for a common cause, good things happen. And a special thank you to Caring Hands for partnering with us and supporting families in need throughout our community. Your dedication inspires us all!