Marshall County Student Philanthropy receives $2,000 Grant | News, Sports, Jobs

T-R FILE PHOTO — Pictured are students from the three Marshall County Student Philanthropy groups: LUCC, SEAL and STEP. These organizations received a $2,000 grant from Alliant Energy to support a meal packing event.

Marshall County Student Philanthropy organizations received a $2,000 grant from Alliant Energy to support the meal packaging event, which will occur on April 26 at the Marshalltown High School Cafeteria. The goal is to raise $12,500 which will allow them to package 50,000 meals, all which will remain in Marshall County.

“The students were thrilled when they received word last week at the annual Community Foundation of Marshall County grant ceremony that Alliant Energy was the lead donor in their fundraising efforts for the meal packaging event” said Julie Hitchins, executive director, Community Foundation of Marshall County. “Thanks to Alliant Energy’s $2,000 donation this means 8,000 meals for those experiencing food insecurity in Marshall County, that’s powerful!”

Alliant Energy is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work.

Through needs assessment activities this past year school year the students have identified addressing food insecurity as the number one priority. Students from S.E.A.L. (Students Empowering And Leading) see the need on a regular basis as they stock Little Free Pantries in Ferguson, Gilman and Le Grand and simply cannot keep up with the demand. They have partnered with Meals From the Heartland to package 50,000 meals comprised of Taco Mac and Hearty Rice meals. The meals will be distributed to organizations that provide food assistance in Marshall County and to the 13 Little Free Pantries located throughout Marshall County.

The students are asking Marshall County citizens to share time, talent and treasure to make this event a success. They may share treasure by mailing a check payable to the Community Foundation of Marshall County, 709 S. Center St., Suite 131, Marshalltown, IA 50158 or giving online at www.desmoinesfoundation.org/cfmcoperatingfund. Citizens should mark the calendar for the evening for April 26 to share time and talent. An announcement regarding the volunteer opportunity will be forthcoming.