Circle K preps hygiene kits for kids at MyPlace
As temperatures plunge and classes start, the material needs among the most vulnerable are of heightened importance. One Minnesota State student organization is hoping to address those needs in the Mankato area.
The group Circle K put together 50 “hygiene kits” for MyPlace, a local after-school program serving Mankato youth. Kits included common hygiene needs such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss picks, hats, gloves, Chapstick, and even motivational notes for the children who will be getting these kits.
Attendees filled up an upstairs conference room in the Centennial Student Union, where the event was held. Along with the kits, volunteers also created posters for the upcoming Mankato marathon. These posters contained witty and humorous quotes to help give the runners a boost.
Madi Rosen is the Vice President of the Circle K’s MSU chapter.
Circle K International is the collegiate branch of Kiwanis International, a volunteer organization with over 600,000 members spread across 80 countries and geographic areas.
According to Rosen, Circle K’s mission is “commitment to service, leadership, and fellowship.” When asked how the event embodies that mission, she said, “by creating these kits, we are directly addressing the needs of individuals facing hardships like homelessness or poverty, providing essential supplies to help them maintain health and dignity.
She continued, “This project features our values in many ways. The kits provide help to those in need, which shows our dedication to meaningful, hands-on service. Also, by working on this project together, we are strengthening another one of our core values, friendship.”
Freshman Mckenna Peterson attended the event and said she enjoyed it.
“I think it is a really good idea. I think it is very meaningful, like what they are doing and who they are giving it to. And I think the posters is a cute idea for the marathon.”
Right next to her was Freshman Ava Thelen, who said she first came for an ice cream social. Thelen also said she participated in National Honors Society in high school and that she really enjoys volunteering.
Another person that attended the event was Akorede Balogun, a senior who also serves on the student senate. He says he came with his group, Black Intelligent Gentlemen.
“This is very nice volunteering,” he said. “We are here to pack kits for MyPlace youth. … Winter is coming up ahead. We are going to be giving out hand warmers, sweaters, and stuff like that. We are trying to have fun.”
They have done this project in previous years, most recently where they made 50 more kits for a Mankato homeless shelter during their first meeting of the semester.
During the meeting, Rosen highlighted the numerous opportunities to get involved as well as the club’s weekly meetings are 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Write to ben.livingston@mnsu.edu