Oskaloosa High School launches Interact Club

Melissa Moorman shows off the Interact Club of Oskaloosa’s Certificate of Organization, as other club members hold up the hand-made blankets they’ll be delivering to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. (submitted photo)

Oskaloosa (March 30, 2017) — High school students now have another option if they want to give back to the Oskaloosa community. The Interact Club of Oskaloosa, a partnership with the local Rotary club, received its official Certificate of Organization in February and is already looking for more ways to serve those in need.

“I’ve been blown away by their enthusiasm for volunteering,” said Amy Meyer, president of the Rotary Club of Oskaloosa.

According to Meyer, the group of about a dozen high schoolers has already volunteered with the Lighted Christmas Parade, helped distribute food with Rotary’s food basket program, and delivered 20 handmade blankets to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines.

“They seemed very appreciative and everyone that went seemed to have fun,” said Melissa Moorman, president of the high school club.

Moorman, an Oskaloosa High School senior, attended RYLA, a Rotary leadership summit for high schoolers last July and wanted to bring the Rotary ideals of “service above self” to her school.
“RYLA really inspired me to be actively involved in not just my school, but also the community,” said Moorman.

“Our club is so proud of them,” Meyer said. “These are kids who are already busy with band and sports and activities, but they are willing to make time to help others. They’re going to do great things.”

For more information on the Interact Club of Oskaloosa, you can contact Amy Meyer at unitedway@mahaska.org.