Rotary Club of Neenah volunteers teamed up with students from the club’s STRIVE 11/12 program for a hands-on service project at Feeding America, where together they packed thousands of pounds of food for families in need. The effort gave students a real look at how community service directly impacts households across the region.
Rotary Club of Neenah members recently joined 28 students from the STRIVE 11/12 program for a volunteer shift at Feeding America, spending the day packing 4,100 pounds of pasta for families throughout the region. The energy was high, the teamwork solid, and the students brought a level of enthusiasm that made the project both productive and meaningful. STRIVE—Neenah Rotary’s long-running mentoring initiative—supports juniors and seniors at Neenah High School who benefit from extra guidance as they plan for life after graduation. Through monthly programs led by Rotary members and school counselors, students explore local youth resources, visit post-secondary campuses, participate in volunteer experiences like this one, and learn from STRIVE alumni who share their paths beyond high school. Since 1997, STRIVE has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to seniors who improve academically and stay engaged with the program. The Feeding America project gave students the chance to see service in action, understand the value of food-security organizations, and make a tangible difference. Special thanks go to Leah and Erica for coordinating the day—and to the students, whose hard work and heart showed exactly what STRIVE is all about. Be sure to check out the photos in the photo section of the newsletter.