The United Way annual campaign started with a kick-off event at the Barry County Fairgrounds where volunteers gathered and were reminded how important their work is to the community. The TKHS marching band performed several selections, TKHS student council members were among the 603 volunteers who registered for work projects this week, and Middle School teacher Damon Cove and his wife, Madie, spoke as this year’s United Way campaign chairpersons.
Among the band’s selections was a somber trumpet solo of Taps in memory and honor of all those who died in the 9-11 attacks 24 years ago. Later, they would send the volunteers off with a spirited playing of the TK fight song.
Student Council members were divided into groups at the camp - some worked in the laundry, the camp store, and kitchen, while others worked painting and doing other jobs outside.
“I’m just so glad we can give back to the community and the people who have given so much to all of us. It’s one way we can pay it forward,” said TKHS senior Oliver Lietz as he folded and sorted towels at the camp laundry.
Brooklyn Hammer helped take inventory in the camp store. “I think it’s just good to do this. A lot of TK kids come here to camp and it’s just a good way to give back.”
Several students were assigned to staining fences and other wooden structures outside including Student Council co-presidents Frank Wilkinson and McKenna Hoebeke. “This means a lot to me to be able to help out and help the community,” said Wilkinson.
Hoebeke attended the camp when she was younger. “It was super fun for me. So now, I’m glad I can come back and help out. I hope it will help other kids have a great experience at camp too.”
She said hearing the speakers at the kick-off event in the morning made her realize that sometimes you never know how much the help you give means to others.
Avery Hagemann said she also attended camp at Manitou-Linn when she was younger. “I think it’s good that I can come back now and help the camp so other kids can come here like I did. It was a lot of fun.”
“I think giving back is important,” said Exley Roon as she also helped take inventory of the camp store. “It just makes me feel good to be able to help.”
Barry County United Way’s annual campaign goal is to raise $850,000. Damon and Madie Cove spoke at the opening event about the importance of being united and having a strong community.
“Barry County is a special place where people are willing to help each other, lending them support through tough times. I truly feel blessed to have this community surrounding us,” said Damon.
“Growing up, my mom always said Cove’s can do hard things if we do them together. It wasn’t just a nice thing. It was a challenge. It means we don’t quit when things get hard and we don’t try to do it alone. That’s what today’s about,” he said.
“Every drop of sweat, every conversation, every small act is part of something bigger than any one of us today. We're not just completing service projects, we're sending a message to our neighbors: You matter, this community cares about you and in Barry County, we don’t sit back, we lean in…Long after the paint dries or the mulch settles, people will remember how they felt when this community showed up for one another…United isn’t just the way, it’s the only way.”
Maddie added encouragement to all the volunteers. “Let’s go out today with full hearts, strong hands and a shared purpose. Remind the county what it looks like when people come together. Today is more than just a day of caring. It’s a glimpse at what’s possible every day when we live out the motto - United is the Way,” she said.
United Way Director Lani Forbes reminded everyone that every dollar donated to the United Way is valued and can make a difference and that every dollar raised is used for services and programs in Barry County - programs like Meals on Wheels for senior citizens, the Barry County 4-H program which is the third largest in the state, the YMCA camps and programs, heating assistance, backpacks for back to school students, presents for children at Christmas, and many more.
TKHS students agreed volunteering and being part of the United Way Day of Caring was a morning well spent and valuable life lessons learned. “Sometimes we don’t think how we could help. But it’s really easy and you never know how even one little thing can help someone so much,” said Hoebeke.