ISD Students Give Back to Community

Posted February 2, 2018

Each of our 29 schools is doing their own service project or hosting an event this school year to give back to the Independence community.

Students at Korte Elementary made pet chew toys out of t-shirts to donate to Wayside Waifs and Great Plains SPCA, adding extra fun to play time before the animals find their forever homes. What a creative way to give back to our local animal shelters!

In celebration of Kindness Week, students at William Southern spread warmth throughout the Independence community. Students collected more than 50 blankets to donate to the Salvation Army Crossroads Shelter along with 81 scarves, 161 hats, 70 coats and 184 pairs of gloves for Tabitha’s Closet.

Students at Randall Elementary collected more than 40 bottles of laundry detergent for Community Services League to help local families. Students organized the collection in celebration of Kindness Week, spreading positivity and kindness throughout the community.

Students at Luff Elementary put their hearts into making valentines to send to residents at The Groves spreading love and kindness into the community.

Students from Ott Elementary brought extra love and smiles to Independence Manor Care Center, decorating cookies and passing out valentines to residents. Hanthorn Early Education students also spread the love to Independence Manor Care Center, crafting special valentines to deliver to residents.

Students at Blackburn Elementary take turns visiting residents at Truman Gardens each day throughout the month of February to read “Charlotte’s Web” as part of the One School, One Book initiative. One School, One Book encourages and enables students to read at school and at home with their families. Click here to watch as these visits to Truman Gardens spark a passion for reading and new friendships.

Students at Bryant Elementary collected more than 35 pounds of pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City. The money collected from the recycled pop tabs is used to help support families with loved ones being treated in Kansas City Hospitals, proving that little things can make a big difference. Students also made cards for families currently staying in Ronald McDonald Houses in the area.

Students at Procter Elementary assembled more than 200 Caring Bags containing bottled water, snacks, hygiene products, hats and gloves to donate to the Salvation Army. Students collected item for the bags during Procter’s 12 Days of Caring. Students presented the Caring Bags to the Salvation Army in January.

Ott Elementary students collected 428 books to send to students at an elementary school in Houston, Texas that was seriously damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Ott students also wrote positive messages and notes to the Hilliard Elementary students.

More than 70 Luff Elementary students headed out into the neighborhood surrounding the school with rakes in their hands and smiles on their faces to clean up the yards of their elderly neighbors. Click here to watch the story featured on Fox 4 News. Students from Luff also went caroling through the halls of The Groves Retirement Community. You could see residents light up as students performed holiday favorites, including “Frosty the Snowman”, “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Silent Night.”

Sunshine Early Education Center decorated its Tree of Warmth with donated items, including socks, hats and gloves. Families at the Sunshine Center may take items to bundle up this winter.

Mill Creek Elementary raised money during spirit week to purchase groceries for families in need this holiday season. Student Council members shopped for the groceries and decorated paper bags to fill with enough items for a full holiday meal. Student Council presented the bags and donations to Community Services League.

Students at Glendale Elementary collected items for Great Plains SPCA, including food, toys, blankets, cleaning supplies and cash donations! Student Council members were all smiles as they loaded the donations on the bus to personally deliver the much-needed items to the shelter.

ISD JROTC students led an effort for our schools to collect food and supplies for area veterans. JROTC students presented the items to the American Red Cross to distribute to homeless veterans.

Students at Three Trails Elementary made cards for patients at Children’s Mercy. The students wrote special messages and drew pictures to spread joy to children in the hospital this holiday season.

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