Optimists, Rotarians collect 100’s of books for Mid-Prairie students

By Ron Slechta
Posted 9/27/22

Several hundred books were donated in the joint Kalona Optimists and Rotary clubs 1-week book drive as part of their “Celebrate Community” effort.

Mid-Prairie East Elementary principal …

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Optimists, Rotarians collect 100’s of books for Mid-Prairie students

Posted

Several hundred books were donated in the joint Kalona Optimists and Rotary clubs 1-week book drive as part of their “Celebrate Community” effort.

Mid-Prairie East Elementary principal Greg Jergens said that all 280 students at East Elementary got to choose 2 to 3 books.  Staff members also added to their library.  Any extra books will be distributed until they are gone, he added.

“This is amazing because it allows ALL of our students to have their own books to take home and promotes reading,” Jergens commented.  “Without our community partners like the Rotary and Optimist Clubs we can still succeed, but it is more challenging.”

“We are very fortunate that the M-P Community does such a fabulous job helping us meet the needs of our students,” Jergens stressed.  

  “We are so grateful for these donations,” he stated.

  Both the Rotarians and Optimists expressed appreciation for the churches, Kalona Library, Kalona YMCA and some businesses who were points for the collection boxes.   

“The book drive turned out to be a large success due to a few anonymous donors and some churches that made a significant impact,” said Kalona Rotary President Christian Swartzentruber.

“We appreciate the community’s generosity to make this event successful,” said Nicole Naraine, Optimists chair for the book drive.  “We look forward to more community outreach projects in the coming years to “Celebrate Community,” she said.