Upper Iowa Athletes Contribute Words of Encouragement and Backpacks

By Kelly Saathoff, Domestic Abuse Advocate for Fayette County

Upper Iowa University recently hosted an event welcoming back the student-athletes to campus. During this event, the Assistant Athletic Director, Danielle Cushion, worked with the student-athletes to put together 100 backpacks for children served at the Domestic Abuse Resource Center. Danielle’s passion and kindness for helping others is greatly appreciated.

During the event, the student-athletes worked together to fill the back packs in less than 5 minutes. The back packs included; markers, crayons, pencils, pens, pencil sharpeners, folders, and a pencil case. Also this year the ROTC donated the back packs. These bags give confidence to countless kids that we serve each and every day. It’s a humbling experience to see the faces of the children that receive these back packs.

Brittany McIntyre, Teen Advocate/Volunteer Coordinator, and I were there to receive the backpacks on behalf of the children served at Helping Services. Each backpack was given to a child in hope to inspire them in some way. Thank you to Upper Iowa University for its commitment to children and families in our community!